tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10475831744313758792020-05-29T01:44:57.009-07:00crazymommaofthreeThis Blog is my so called me time not that that exists in my life, its a chance for me to ramble and rave over random topics that I may come across throughout the day, please forgive any typos or errors I do tend to type fast in the moment and don't always get to review what I have written before posting.... Happy Reading CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.comBlogger755125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-75459350028567913142020-05-28T05:24:00.002-07:002020-05-28T05:24:47.208-07:00Homeschooling- Please think first<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-align: justify;">I have said it at least a dozen times on this platform and I will say it again I do not believe that education is a one size fits all thing, I do not believe that home-schooling is the better option or private schooling or government schooling, I believe that every child is different and that their education should be adapted to what will help them achieve their best form of themselves for some kids that may be conventional schooling for others maybe not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am writing this post after seeing the massive influx of moms in particular flocking to home-schooling pages wanting to pull their kids out of school and either home-school for good or temporarily and this is a huge concern for me as a parent who has literally been through every form of schooling and now has 2 children in a tutor centre and one who is home-schooled.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Listen to me clearly now DO YOUR RESEARCH, make INFORMED decisions, SPEAK TO YOUR CHILDREN – THEIR OPINIONS MATTER and lastly it isn’t as simple as just removing your child temporarily and quick stix registering with the department.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am going through this myself with my eldest son at this very moment, first things first whilst they are accepting applications they are not processing applications currently, the process in general away from a pandemic can take up to 6 months and this includes a home visit to check that you meet the criteria of the department for a home-schooling environment, you also need to state in your application why it is you are wanting to home-school and need to supply a schedule as well as which curriculum/s you are using, the department does not have to accept your application or your reasoning and this whole process is why many home-schooling families choose not to register and to rather pay the Pestalozzi Trust for protection should the department come a knocking.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you form part of the other side of the coin ie parents who want to remove their children temporarily please please PLEASE keep in mind that once you have removed your child you will need to re-apply for placement within the schooling system when you want them to go back; you are not guaranteed a placement just because your child was there beforehand, the schools are already overladen and the waiting lists are long think before you make a decision that you may regret in a few months’ time when this is all over, rather approach your child’s school to continue on with them whilst teaching your child from home yes you will be liable for school fees hopefully at a reduced rate but unless you are willing to fight in the long run I would suggest that you take this route.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lastly as a member of home-schooling groups most not all but most are very quick to say it is easy, it is cheap anyone can do it etc, I will repeat what I have said before just because anyone can doesn’t mean anyone should and what may be feasible or make sense now may not be the most sensible decision long term and may not even be what your child wants or feels is best for their own well-being.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am one of those parents who at a point believed anyone could and should home-school, it would be easy and wonderful and the best thing I could ever do for my child; it takes work and preparation and some form of structure especially if your child has special needs if you register with the department there are criteria that your child needs to meet and processes that need to be followed, there are many curriculum's to choose from and they can be expensive and again are not a one size fits all thing, if you plan on getting a tutor keep in mind they are costly and not always easy to find, you also need to ensure or keep in mind social interaction post the lock down period can you afford to enroll your child in extra mural activities or do you have a home-schooling support group or network in your surrounding area that you can join that will help you and help create a social network for your child…..<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I know that I am far from an expert in the schooling field, I can only speak from my personal experience and I may garner a lot of flak for this post but this has been weighing on my mind for a while now already and I think people just need to keep in mind that every group will have an agenda and I don’t see it as intentional or even hurtful agenda but anti vaxers will always put their opinion first the same goes for those who cloth diaper or home-school anyone who feels strongly about a cause will of course embrace those who show an interest in or want to take up their cause again it is not with bad thought and I have absolutely nothing against the home-schooling community as I have received so much advice great and solid advice and help I just think people need to be more mindful because if they aren’t this in my opinion could do more to hurt the home-schooling community than help it.<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-26249890718161888712020-05-28T03:23:00.004-07:002020-05-28T03:23:42.166-07:0028 May 2020<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am sure that if you asked around every person will have their own say or opinion about what they feel is the greatest travesty/ trauma/ downfall/ issue that has come about as a result of Covid 19; for some it is the ciggie and alcohol ban, for others the exercise restrictions and for others it is the fact that they cannot work/run their businesses etc.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">From my side whilst all of these things are varying levels of irritating, terrible or terrifying what I think has impacted <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my</b> family the most is seeing the effect this had had on my children especially my middle son Gabriel.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Gabriel is probably my most social child and without a doubt an extrovert and thus this lock-down period has left him feeling down and isolated, emotionally he has regressed and even with a firm and structured routine and although he has his brothers you can still see the change in him, in all of my kids and speaking to other parents especially those with only one child the feelings are mutual- it begs the question of how our children will fare and cope once all this is over when it eventually ends and how much or how greatly will they be affected, lastly is the effect and trauma placed on our children because of this period and pandemic worth it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am not one of those people that believes Covid does not exist, my father works for a hospital so I know it does but at the end of the day with all death cases being classified as Covid, proper testing not taking place in every province and inaccurate numbers and testing how can we be sure that the number of deaths is not actually 2 or 10 if many of the cases were not actually Covid cases and statistically we know that more people in our country lose their lives to TB than Covid, are we putting our economy into collapse and putting our people through all of this trauma for something that could have been dealt with effectively without all of this chaos.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our homes have become classrooms and office spaces, our children are confused and isolated and people are starving and losing their jobs and livelihoods left right and center.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In the beginning things made arguable sense but now it seems more to do with politics, money and power than our health and the people and I for one am tired, my heart is tired, as a mom, as a South African; Mr President one could argue that you are not completely to blame I would argue that you are just as responsible for the decisions made as you are for your cabinet members and your choice of cabinet members. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If one is pressured as a government official to make decisions that are not right, that are not in the best interests of the people one has the responsibility to stand firm and speak up even if it costs the person their position they will have the respect and support of the people, those who have entrusted their safety, well-being and best interest to you. You have been undermined several times, you have lied and allowed your members to lie and scheme, to make money from illicit alliances by creating bans that do not make sense until you see that it is due to money exchange and the sole benefit of those making the decisions- your family is not and will not starve even with a salary cut what you have is far above what the majority of South Africans have- your cabinet continue their lives without the standards that the people have been forced into…. Enough is enough when will you stop it all or will you continue to hide until there is no respect or support left for you and you are then replaced by another.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You talk about hard decisions and the time to make them, now is that time, now is the time to stop being a coward and to put the people first…. Now is the time!<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-57294103204387465402020-05-08T06:07:00.001-07:002020-05-08T06:07:13.534-07:00Back to normal and role reversals<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So on the 1st of May South Africa entered Level 4 of our 5 stage Covid – 19 lockdown period, whether it stays this way remains to be seen seeing as Cape Town (where I stay) is now the noted epicenter of the outbreak -I will refrain from jumping for joy just yet.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With level 4 came some pretty exciting things like…. Being able to exercise between the hours of 6am and 9am on a daily basis, I cannot tell you how amazing it was on May 1<sup>st</sup> to take a walk outside with my kids; their first time out of the house and garden for 5 weeks and to hear all the doggies barking excitedly as their owners took them out for the first time in too long, its cruel to be honest I really had a problem with the not walking your dog thing, animals don’t understand and it isn’t fair, my neighbor has two very large dogs and our duplexes are not big I felt so terrible sorry for them when I saw them gazing longingly out the window… I would also like to point out that at 6am it is still dark, Winter is coming so it will only get darker and colder so it’s almost impossible to take the kids out before 7am and if you work that just isn’t possible, the number of people out at the same time is also a bit ridiculous I personally think that giving a morning and afternoon time slot would have been better all around… but I digress.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You can now buy clothes but some stores have prohibited the sale of underwear, you could buy toys on level 5 but it now considered non essential in level 4, you can also buy make up and the spaza shops are open but nail techs and hairdressers are still banned.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With level 4 also came the long awaited (for me) cigarette ban lift… oh wait no they banned it again; I am a smoker and I was beyond livid, during this time it is the only reprieve and slip of sanity I have had in the midst of home-schooling the kids and everything else; the reasoning's are flawed and every time I get into it I just go off the deep end of anger so let's move on.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With level 4 also came a list of industries that were allowed to return to work, given the state of our economy this is great and I was quite excited when I saw that my industry was one of those allowed to venture back into the ‘normal’ world… however with 3 kids at home and a hubby also faced with a return to work I have to be honest I was panicking, of course the government can sing its song and tell employers to be kind and to take these things into consideration but not everyone can do their job from home and with no money coming in more and more people are facing pay cuts and company shutdowns every day.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Honestly the prospect of ending up on the street or not being able to feed my family or even get my son his meds is scarier to me than the possibility of catching the virus.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So fast forward to this week and I returned to work on a rotational schedule to accommodate the fact that I still have kids at home (I am very lucky) and then my hubby got told that he is going to be home until much… much later this year and thus I know have a house-husband… yay me right!?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I think it hit my hubby pretty hard at first, he wants to be back at work he is craving some normalcy and the kids are going bonkers at home so I can’t blame him, it’s ironic really to see so many introverted people suddenly craving or developing a need to run free amongst the living so to speak, it’s been an emotional roller coaster ride and I think everyone I know has had at least one meltdown over the past few weeks.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now that my hubby is home I am able to work more which is great but it is strange and truth be told I do miss having the time with the kids although mentally I think I am a much happier parent- last night I came home exhausted took a shower and then plomped onto the bed to watch Peter Rabbit with my youngest; he was so happy and then I chased my other two around for loves… it’s good to breathe, its good to be the parent I want to be instead of the frustrated anxious mess that I have been at times over the past 6 weeks- I take my hat off to stay at home moms I really do.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">School wise we are doing well, our curriculum is built for home-schooling so it has been easy to navigate and use it at home and we are practically done with the second term work the kids are either doing revision or finishing up a subject or two so I am really happy we pushed a little harder in the beginning as we can now relax the slacks a bit and there is less pressure on hubby while I am at work.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I start my day off with a 6am walk/run, get ready for the day, prep dinner and set out the school work, tidy up a bit and get breakfast done if the kids are up and off I go to work only to barrel through the door exhausted at 6pm take a shower eat dinner and eventually fall into bed, I tell you during lock down I was up until 2am most night and now I am barely making 11/12 o clock but it feels good and I am beyond grateful that we are one of the lucky families with jobs to go back to, a roof over our heads and food on the table, it is a new kind of normal, a strange space of in-between but we will get there.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I hope everyone is safe and healthy<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">XoXo <o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-20858752572132020702020-04-13T15:17:00.003-07:002020-04-13T15:17:59.647-07:00Day eleventy... seventy... something of lockdown<div style="text-align: justify;">Well hello there, longtime no speak right?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last time I posted all was somewhat well within the world and we weren't smash bang in the middle of a pandemic, I am going to be honest here I didn't think we would get here, yes I was one of those people, it wasn't that I didn't believe that Covid 19 was a serious thing I just honestly didn't think we were going to reach this point, the point where we would all be forced into our homes, the point where so many would be left without work and therefore pay and where homeschooling was suddenly the norm (shock and horror). I appreciated the severity of the impact of this scenario on both the economy as well as the people of our country as a whole and having had swine flu in the past which at the time was seen as an incredibly serious and devastating virus as well; we didn't reach this point then so I honestly didn't think we were going to get there now, and quite honestly as we drew closer to the original announcement my anxiety just kind of took over and I had to stop reading the news posts etc in order to stop a full blown panic attack; I mean I went into the store to get bread and a few simple staples an the shelves were empty, I burst into tears thinking about all of the people who had so little and who could't stock up in any way, those who relied on school feeding schemes and hose whose home situation are less than ideal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Going into this I really didn't think I was going to make it this far with my sanity intact, I don't consider myself an extrovert by any means but I like my freedom and I think having that taken away, that simple human right that so many of us take for granted, I have to be honest it really hit home and there have been a couple of days where I have had an internal breakdown, especially last week when the extension was announced, knowing that I could not see my parents for another 2 weeks, knowing that after counting down to getting back to normal life was once again a distant desire and not something I could touch and picture so readily, I think it really hit home in that moment. I had tried so hard to stay positive ad in that moment I panicked wondering if we will ever know the feeling of normal ever again and can we actually ever attain that feeling of normalcy again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am enjoying the time with my boys I really am, for the most part it has been great, I enjoy schooling them and actually taking part in their learning, we have had a few meltdowns on Gabriel's part when it comes to school work, he stayed with his father during the course of the first term and I collected him the evening of the start of the lockdown period, I am ever so grateful to have all 3 of the boys with me during this time and as I said I have enjoyed the time with them; we have baked, planted veggies played uno and found a new sort of scheduled normal whereby we wake up at 7 everyday a little later than we normally would, we all have breakfast, clean up etc and by 8:30 we are ready to start our school day, I have sat down ad mapped out the boys daily work schedules for the lockdown period so every evening I put out the work for the next day and we tick off what is done as we go along.&nbsp; I usually start off with Loghan whilst my hubby sits with Jesse and whichever of us finishes up first switches over to Gabriel, we are usually done with all 3 between 12 and 1, we then make lunch and then its free for all for the remainder of the afternoon, the schedule has been good for me and the boys it has at least created it own form of normalcy and the boys at least know what to expect from their day, come the weekends I still clean up and we don't do any work with the boys but honestly there is only so much Netflix you can watch, only so many things you can bake and admittedly I am going a tiny bit crazy inside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the same time it feels so wrong to complain, I know that in many ways we are so incredibly blessed, J and I have both been lucky enough to keep our jobs, in fact J is working from home, we have what we need for the most part and I have the access to my doctor and Loghan's should I need it, we are healthy and safe, we have&nbsp; roof over our head and food on the table, we have more than most and we have each other which I am grateful for, it has been lovely watching the boys develop a bond together and I am thankful that they have each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Loghan... its been ok for the most part we have had one very bad incident, right before Easter weekend, his meds changed going into lockdown and I do think that we have headed in the right direction in this regard, we received notice from the department heading into the lockdown period that the department has said he needs to be home-schooled, however because of Covid 19 we are flying in limbo when it comes to whether they are going to help us with financial support when it comes to a private tutor, I tried calling the department several times before the lockdown period started but couldn't reach anyone which is typical and at this rate I am just so frustrated and over it all that I think i am honestly just done with the department all together and would rather just register with Impaq next year and do it on our own because getting help is honestly like pulling teeth and then people still have the gall to ask you not to cc their supervisors in on their emails; well sorry Jane but if you actually responded I would't need to cc all and sundry in, i order to get a response after you have ignored me for weeks on end. The system in this country is just so backwards and broken I cannot even explain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Otherwise I suppose we are fine, sitting outside and just listening to the changes in the air the sounds, the smells, just the feeling i n general, going to the store for staples is an experience of its own and I feel like I am breaking the law just stepping out of my front door, this will end I know that I just cannot help but hope that it ends sooner than later for the sake of all of those who are not nearly as fortunate as we have been thus far.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe everyone, moms stay sane I know its hard our kids feel it as hard as we do we do, it will end and we will come through, a changed world but we will get through.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-21396592541628802952020-02-24T05:02:00.003-08:002020-02-24T05:02:41.812-08:00Forced to home-school…<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>Let me just start off this post by saying that if you have been here for a while you will know my stance on schooling and how I feel that every child is different and that schooling is definitely not a one size fits all thing- none of my kiddos mainstream but that doesn’t mean that I think mainstream schooling is the devil, many of my friends kids excel and get by amazingly in the mainstream environment it just hasn’t worked or hadn’t worked for 2 of my 3 boys and thus when it came time to place J for grade 1 we decided to put him with his brother in a cottage school and see how it went, so far he is incredibly happy and if I can pay what I would for a government schooling for an environment filled with understanding and classes of less than 10, individualised attention and schooling that caters to a child’s individual needs well then it isn’t really a hard choice for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If one day my kids decide that they would like to go into mainstream then we will definitely not hold them back but for now this decision works for our family. Physically home-schooling your child though is something that I both support and tilt my head against, in the right environment if the child is given the time and support I truly believe it can be the most wonderful thing, having had to home-school Lo several times now over the past few years I can tell you there are times where I adore the experience; walking the journey of experience with my child, learning with him and through him is an amazing thing however it can be equally frustrating and incredibly time consuming particularly when you work a full time job, your hubby works late and travels via public transport and you have other kids to look after as well.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So when it came to Loghan; home-schooling was not the choice I advocated for, maybe at first but once we had tried it I believed that there were better routes to follow. As a parent I did not feel that my child could navigate through his education and self-learning without the aid of a tutor/parent and I believed that the lack of social interaction would only hinder his progress even further but hey I am just the parent right who am I to give my opinion on my own child I have only raised him for 12 years…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The problem that we face is that even after a panel was held that included 25 professionals from all different fields and departments not one can tell us exactly what diagnosis we are dealing with or where to go to from here, he cannot function in mainstream and the department doesn’t want to foot the bill for a facilitator, one has been applied for but we have already been told not to hold our breath and they will not cover a tutor even though we are not home-schooling by choice.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Anyhoo, so last week we were told by the education department that we may as well register our son with a local curriculum because they do not feel they can help us, we went to the family court on Thursday and whilst the magistrate ordered feedback from the department and said that they need to help us he also said that we may as well get educated on home-schooling because that is the direction we will have to follow in the end, over the yaers we have met many professionals some I have taken to and some I haven’t it is the ones that get to the point, the ones that go out of their way to help us but don’t beat around the bush, theses gems and we have had but a few are simply amazing I know that our case is one that most choose to ignore or walk away from because it is a headache of note but for those who have given their time I am incredibly grateful, the magistrates words were blunt but his genuine empathy was something that I felt to the core and I am grateful that he is trying to help us by telling the departments who aren’t helping to get their acts together, fighting alone is hard, having to follow up with every department day after day on your own is difficult and time consuming and frustrating, it takes a toll I won’t lie and lately there have been times where as much as I am trying to just put on that smile and push forward my soul says NO, enough now and just wants to crumble into the foetal position and disappear.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The department is saying they cannot help; we asked for a special needs school entry with a facilitator but they are forcing us into a position with no benefit and cannot offer any help by way of a subsidy, facilitator or tutor and we cannot afford a minimum of 8k a month for a facilitator or full time tutor so I am having to try and provide my son with an education whilst I work full time, the department will not or has not provided me with answers surrounding home-schooling i.e. how are marks captured, how is your child assessed, we are doing the work I have gone out of my way to piece together the curriculum on my own and we are working through it, every night I put the next day’s work together and just hope that when I get home it is done and I don’t have to put 2 hours in before bed because that is a meltdown waiting to happen on its own, I have to push time in over the weekends for the subjects that he simply cannot navigate on his own like Afrikaans, he is a very bright child but there are areas he just needs help, I feel as though I am completing my own schooling all over again which would be fine if I didn’t need to work but I do. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I have also had trouble finding an extra mural for socialisation and just to get him out of the house, most extra murals start late afternoon and when you work until 5 it just isn’t possible to get him there, thankfully it seems like I have found something we are attending a trial class this evening so at least that covers some form of social interaction… when your child turns to you after hearing this and remarks that maybe just maybe he can make a friend by his 13<sup>th</sup> birthday…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I came to the realisation this weekend that Lo may never get to experience simple adolescent milestones like a matric dance…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am frustrated beyond the point of comprehension and as a mother I am just heartbroken and overwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-29984415844982177132020-02-12T00:39:00.003-08:002020-02-12T00:39:42.308-08:00Changing my perspective<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At the beginning of the year I decided to instill change within myself and my life, I have not only amped up my activity level and changed my eating habits but I have also set aside non-negotiable time for myself and become more introspective and mindful of my approach particularly when it comes to stressful situations.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Has this worked?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I have to say that without a doubt yes; for example last week my son neglected to do his work properly normally I would have flipped my lid both internally and externally and I would have spent the rest of the evening doing his work with him and negated my evening walk nit this time, I told my son to get started and left for my walk whilst my hubby made supper, when I got back I sat down with him to complete the work and although we went to bed a bit later than usual we got through it in a calm and constructive manner, I got my half an hour or so walk and time to calm down and regroup and could approach the situation when I got home in a much better space, my son also had the opportunity to think through the fact that he now had to sit and lose technology time because he had not completed his work properly and the work that he produced that evening was of a much better standard because he wanted to actually complete it and do it properly.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I feel so much better, our household is so much calmer, I am feeling better, sleeping better and am actually enjoying being a parent instead of constantly running damage control and being on edge and miserable all the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My advice to anyone going through a hard time or anyone who feels like they have lost the joy of parenting:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Take time out for yourself, for self care and to process your day, your decisions and your stressors</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Find an <b><i>activity</i></b> that you enjoy and take time to do it even if it means a 15 minute walk or a 10 minute yoga session something that allows you to release endorphins and release stress with increased activity and focus while also allowing you to step away or outside of the situations that are weighing you down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Block out some time every week for tech free family time- whether you take a walk down to the local park or play board games</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Find someone that is unbiased and that you trust and can talk to- if you cannot afford a therapist there are resources available within Cape Town and other areas that offer reduced cost therapy sessions or if you just find someone who you can talk to do it, talk it out no matter how silly it is; I cannot explain what an hour session a week has done for me, just being able to talk about my day, my week, what is going on or not going on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Finally I know I am going to get a few eye rolls with this one but optimize your health; drink water, eat good food and enjoy your food.&nbsp; Often as mothers or even just as parents we tend to lose our love for food and our enjoyment in it, it becomes something we simply have to do, something we simply have to make and something that we shovel down so fast because the next thing has to be done and&nbsp; we hardly even get the chance to taste what we are taking in. Be mindful of what you take into your body and enjoy it, our bodies keep us going and if we don't protect and provide it with "high grade oil" and rather just keep shoving in "low quality oil" just because eventually it is going to shut down...&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Speaking of oil, my car broke down last week, it is fixed now thank goodness but it was a very expensive experience I will just leave it at that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A lot has gone down the past few weeks… A LOT<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our therapeutic team organised a mass meeting whereby numerous professionals and person involved and not involved in our case were invited to attend, to put their heads together to try and help our family, which is just amazing guys, to know that around 20 people got together to help us and brainstorm/share ideas is just mind boggling and I feel incredibly lucky that our psychologist has worked so hard to help us get somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The road is long but much was gained from the meeting and I am hoping we can now move forward and can help our son get both his education and therapeutic help.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In the meantime he is home-schooling which has its pros and cons, its good and bad days, a lot that I won’t get to on this space but we are moving along. We had to give him a cellphone which a whole other kettle of fish, my dad gave me his old cell…. OLD so there isn’t anything to be done on there besides message and call but it is scary none the less.<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-39313986961819931482020-01-14T01:08:00.002-08:002020-01-14T01:08:16.782-08:00<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">2020…. A new year.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I have had a lot of time to reflect and share my own personal introspection, a lot of time to dwell and mull through what I want from the coming year, my goals, plans and thoughts, although I have learned very well that planning is not always a great thing because Murphy has a lovely way of kicking your legs out from out of you as soon as you get to comfortable but still I am a planner, routine and structure is what drives me and old habits die hard… I have had a lot of time to think about certain people, people who affect my mental health in a bad way and how I react to them and how my reaction fuels them, I have an amazing support system and without them I am not sure where I would be but there are certain people that unfortunately I cannot remove from my life that I need to learn to deal with in a way that doesn’t bring me down and give them the satisfaction they derive from pushing my buttons and limits beyond the levels of comprehension.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In short this year is about finding my balance, finding my level of wellness and what that means for me, it means trying to be the best version of myself so that I can be the best mom and wife and friend and support to the others who support and love me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I do not deal well with stress, over the years I have dealt with it in many shapes and forms, self and prescribed medication, over eating, under eating, meltdowns and breakdowns, I just want peace and yes I know at this point/ stage that is pretty near impossible with wheat we have to deal with but I want to get to the point where I can separate and ascertain what I can change and what I cannot, to take a step back and not have an internal meltdown every time something crazy happens and to not go in to fixing mode every time our journey takes a sharp turn or comes to an uncertain fork in the road.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I have started by taking steps for my health, I have installed a fitness app on my phone to keep myself moving and make myself accountable and I have set aside an hour every day for Yoga at home which I have to say is pretty amazing, to just have that hour of stillness is an amazing feat and I am pushing my body and self in ways that I never thought were possible, in turn I am actually sleeping again and sleeping well, my body feels good and my mind feels still and calm instead of frazzled and tired.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Look everyone has their own point of health and wellness, I just want to feel good, I had gotten to a point where I was doing really well with my gluten free eating and my other health related dietary restrictions but with all the stress and disorganization last year and of course the xmas period I just felt terrible, bloated and in pain and I don’t want to feel that way so I need to make a change.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Aside from exercise and mindful eating I will continue to see my psychologist on a weekly basis which has helped tremendously, I am trying to avoid medication because I know how it makes me feel and the meds themselves affect my tummy and digestive system as well but so far this is working and I feel like I am in a good space right now.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My youngest starts grade 1 tomorrow which is just… I cannot even fathom how fast the time has slipped by and I am so excited for his journey and to watch him grow this year, Gabriel starts grade 5 with his first year of exams behind him I think that he is going to settle down quite easily and that he is also going to do great things this year.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As for Loghan things are up in the air but instead of freaking out and having that internal meltdown I am going to take it one step at a time and we will see how it goes, it doesn’t mean that I am going to just sit back and do nothing but I am going to allow things to play out with a bit less stress and struggle.<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-85058584206577164122020-01-03T06:50:00.003-08:002020-01-03T06:50:59.419-08:00The 4 gift rule- how it panned outI did a post during the course on December on how we were planning on incorporating the 4 gift rule for our kids in 2019 and I just wanted to give you all some feedback on how that went down and whether I felt it was worth it, saved us money etc.<br /><br />First off I am going to say that I don't feel it cost us any less going this route, we decided to go with 5 gifts for each child and not 4 and we allowed the boys to choose three things that they really wanted and I then chose two from that list for the something I want portion of the rule.<br /><br />The gifts I purchased were broken down as follows for each child.<br /><br />Loghan- 12<br /><br />Something he wanted- Blue tooth headphones and Pokemon cards<br />Something he needed- Power bank<br />Something to wear- A Batman shirt and chino shorts to wear on Xmas day<br />Something to read- A manga (My Hero Acadamia)<br /><br />My mother also purchased something for each child, for Loghan she purchased another manga (Naruto volumes 1-3, clothing and an assortment of sweet treats)<br /><br /><br />Gabriel- 10<br /><br />Something he wanted- Drone and a Bogey Board<br />Something he needed- A new school lunchbox and bottle and I had the names printed on them<br />Something to wear- 4 pairs of shorts (he needed them) and a new shirt to wear on Xmas day<br />Something to read- A Fornite manual of tips and tricks<br /><br />My mother also purchased something for each child, for Gabriel she purchased a new school backpack as well as a new pencil case, clothes and an assortment of sweet treats)<br /><br /><br />Jesse- 6<br /><br />Something he wanted- Bakugan Figurines and a coloring book, crayons, chocolate and bouncy balls (it wasn't a tall order so he got a few small things)<br />Something he needed- A new school lunchbox and bottle and I had the names printed on them<br />Something to wear- 2 new outfits which included one for Xmas day<br />Something to read- 2 new story books<br /><br />My mother also purchased something for each child, for Jesse she purchased a new school backpack as well as a new pencil case, clothes and an assortment of sweet treats)<br /><br /><br />I also knitted a stocking for each child and filled it with small items, glowing bouncy balls, bubbles, chocolates etc<br /><br />The costing for each child varied but I don't budget an exact amount for each child as their requests particularly as they get older can vary in cost and I would rather spend based on what they actually want and will appreciate than cut costs on something that is just going to go to waste.<br /><br />What I gained from this experience is definitely time, I knew exactly what my kids wanted and needed and could map out exactly where I needed to go and the aprox costs beforehand, I was far less stressed usually I am a barrel of anxiety and nerves at Xmas time, particularly when it comes to shopping and I went in and just took my time in a mall that was not empty but definitely not chaotic and I didn't feel like I was wasting my money because everything that we bought was well thought out and appreciated.<br /><br />I love that this rule incorporated clothing which I needed to buy anyway and reading material, in a day and age where kids are losing touch with books and activities that do not relate to tech and screen time I was more than happy to pay the cost of a book that I know each one of them would appreciate and actually read and the 2 gifts that came off of their want list were met with such smiles and happiness in comparison to some years where I have been so overwhelmed and just bought whatever they listed or I thought they may like.<br /><br />At the end of it all this is definitely something that I will be using again at the end of 2020 and I would highly recommend this method for anyone who struggles with this time of year!<br /><br />I also like that you could easily swap the titles out for a hobby instead of a book or even a board game, my eldest sons need doubled up as both a need and a want as well as he is currently in-between schooling I didn't need to get him a backpack etc. I am also glad that I got to make my younger 2 sons schooling experience by providing them with school items that were both needed and personalized.<br /><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-30655502561057251432019-12-28T15:22:00.003-08:002019-12-28T15:22:25.767-08:00Where to... anger, disappointment, so many emotions...<div style="text-align: justify;">It is a little ways past midnight and I'm lying here trying to piece together the emotions of the past few weeks... so many emotions... so man questions, I think I go between a feeling of internal hysteria, anger and extreme sadness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a special needs parent I never found myself asking myself why me or why my child in respect of his autism diagnosis as hard as it was as hard as the journey was, autism was something to me that made my child who he was, I didn't love him any less (quite the opposite) and I didn't see it as being something that was "wrong" with him, as I understood it he was just wired a bit differently and that was a good thing not a bad thing, it was something he could grow from and we could learn from.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But after 7 years of fighting, 7 years of not getting the help we have pleaded and begged for, 7 years of trying everything and doing everything by the book and then not just to be sure that we had covered every base and quite honestly I just feel defeated, completely and utterly defeated.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A month ago today I was sitting in a court room begging a magistrate to put my son into a program that we believed was our best hope, we believed that this was our only option and we were so desperate for just a small sense of hope and of promise that we were willing to say that we believed our son deserved more than the care we could provide him therapeutically that we had exhausted all of our options and were therefore reaching out to the government to help us find answers and care, it it devastating as a parent to get to this point where you love your child so incredibly much and have and will do anything to ensure that your child has everything that they need, having to do this when you have been told over and over again that you have done everything that you can and should have, that the system has failed you but you now need to reach out to that very system and beg for help; as parents we were broken, facing losing our jobs from all of the time we have had to take off, no schooling options available to us and no form of care for him whilst we go off to work everyday so that we can afford the medications and therapies we have been told our son needs but to no avail when it comes to improving our home and family situation or my sons mental health and behavioral issues, we were so incredibly desperate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wish I could put into words what we have been through and what my son has been through in one post... I can't.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A week later and the day before my birthday we drove up to the program dead set in the middle of nowhere, upon our arrival we were sold a story of hope, we were told our son would be well taken care of and that after 8 weeks of continuous assessment by a panel of professionals who dealt with children with extreme difficulties every day we would be given a way forward.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 weeks later we were back in court for a court order to have him removed from the program with immediate effect after visiting him over the weekend and arriving to find my son covered in bruises and abrasions/ open and healing wounds.&nbsp; His tooth had been knocked out, he had a black eye and had visibly lost weight (4 kg in 2 weeks), as we sat with him his hands shook and s he ran his hands through his hair- his hair fell out, to see your child in that state knowing that you cannot remove him without a court order was probably the worst parenting moment and experience of my life, to see my mother in tears, his brothers in tears, to hear my youngest ask me why we had put his brother in a place where he was getting hurt, I never felt more worthless as a parent and when I had to leave literally having my son puled of of me with a sheer look of terror in his eyes, every fiber of my being screamed and there was absolutely nothing I could do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had already voiced concerns over the welfare of him and the other children after he relayed to me his experiences in the program during our phone calls every second day which took and hour or so of constant redial to even get through as the nurses and officials would simply ignore the phone as they pleased, to be told by your child that he was wearing the same underwear even though we had sent at least 10 pairs (they left him with a single pair for 10 days strait), to be told that he had resorted to hiding a block of soap in a wall socket and that he could not sleep as he had been choked by some of the other children at night, to be told of the vulgarity and the racism and to be ignored when I inquired about these issues and telling myself that my son must be exaggerating only to arrive for visitation and to come to the sickening realization that my son was indeed telling the truth, to see another child with a bite mark under his eye and a black eye among with numerous other wounds on his face and body and to be told by the team leader that they could not possibly watch the children all the time and that this was how the children played... to say that I left that day completely and utterly distraught would be an understatement.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When you are told that this place includes the care of children in witness protection and children without parents to ensure that they are cared for and that their well being both mental and physical is ensured, it is completely devastating and utterly shocking.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After removing my son and on our drive home he laid his head in my lap as I ran my fingers through his hair and just thanked the universe that we were free of that place.&nbsp; We went to our gp and then the police station and since then it has been a constant back and forth between the hospital and the police station because we as a family cannot sit back and let that place carry on portraying themselves as therapeutic help for children or as a place of care and safety, and we have been informed that we are far from the only family with this experience and that to me is even more shocking because why on earth was our child or is any child being sent there if people; doctors, court officials etc are aware that the program is an issue and isn't safe. Why is it always left until the point that one family or parent makes enough noise that it&nbsp; can no longer be ignored, these are children and this is the standard of mental health care that is considered acceptable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have been apologized to but at the end of the day where does it leave us and leave Loghan, we are again at square one with no where to go, we are still without a plan and I just go between that state of extreme anger and disappointment because all I want is to get help and for someone to show us a way forward... so many promises that have come to nothing and I am now at the point of why?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why my child, why my family?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">WHY!!!!???</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We surely cannot be the only family and we have been told that Loghan is not the only Loghan out there so if this is the case then are there other parents, families and children going through the pain and frustration that we are, I just find myself wondering when we will get the help we need or if we ever will, will my son ever be able to lead a normal life, will he ever be able to go out on his own safely and that includes the safety of himself as well as those around him; or will it take a point of no return an episode of violence towards on of his family members or someone in public or even himself before someone actually helps us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am scared for my son and for our family... I just want a tiny bit of light, a tiny bit of verified hope....</div>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-21640044237664547442019-12-10T02:36:00.002-08:002019-12-10T02:36:40.493-08:00Implementing the 4 gift Rule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohLrMNNFo3A/Xe91MOXqsJI/AAAAAAAAE1U/uOaU_5-tWVYFKhTR7LyytQc5g8FUVS4GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="434" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohLrMNNFo3A/Xe91MOXqsJI/AAAAAAAAE1U/uOaU_5-tWVYFKhTR7LyytQc5g8FUVS4GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I remember most vividly the first Christmas after my ex and I separated, I remember it so vividly because it was the year that I went completely overboard with Xmas for my then 2 boys aged 3 and 1, I am talking an entire trestle table of gifts it was complete madness, and why?<br /><br />I felt guilty, I felt sad and I felt the need to over compensate and by the end of it my kids were overwhelmed and if they played with anything I had bought for more than an hour it was something.<br /><br />Since then we have gone through varying stages of the amounts of gifts bought and as the years have gone on I have realized that I need to bring it down a notch.<br /><br />I am not Christian and have never been mad about Xmas in general so for the most part it has always been more about the gifts for my kids and I realized that not only is this a senseless waste and a support of rampant consumerism but I don't want my children to go on through the years just expecting and wanting and needing more, tomorrow I may only be able to give a bar of chocolate and that should be enough.<br /><br />So after reading an article online I decided that this year we would be going through our own interpretation of the 4 gift rule and by that in our case I mean 5 gifts.<br /><br />So if you are not familiar with the 4 gift rule it includes well 4 gifts that pair with the following;<br /><br />- Something you want<br />- Something your need<br />- Something to wear<br />- Something to read<br /><br />There are some variations some people include a hobby (something to do) or a handmade item, I quite like the idea of like a baking kit or something as well to do as a family.<br /><br />Now in our case I am allocating 2 gifts that they really want but you get the gist of it, I think it is an incredibly nifty idea.&nbsp; It will mean that my kids get a small amount of well thought out gifts rather than a mountain of useless rubbish that they don't really want or need, it will mean that they will have a greater appreciation for what they are given and it will allow for some money saving on our part so that we can fix up our home which we never have the money to do.<br /><br /><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-20837100936261857862019-12-09T00:56:00.002-08:002019-12-09T00:56:29.408-08:00A change of heart<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For the longest time I have been an unashamed and very vocal Xmas scrooge, I am not Christian and even though many of the traditions that are linked with Xmas i.e. the Xmas tree are inherently pagan in origin the extreme consumerism and sheer chaos that comes with the influx of tourists and the amount of people and noise and lights I just become a miserable mess and would much prefer to hibernate the entire season through.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">However on Saturday as I sat at my brothers place drinking coffee I gazed across at their Xmas tree decked out in all its finery and I was overcome with internal emotions, especially with Loghan not being home and that he won’t be home for Xmas it hit me that I was perhaps doing my children a disservice by robbing them of the magic that so many children experience at Xmas time. How can my children enjoy putting up a Xmas tree for example when I moan and see putting it up as a chore and when I literally take it down on the 26<sup>th</sup>. It just hit me that I only have so many years left to set out traditions that they can carry through with them onto their own future children, I only have so much time to make these experiences and memories and I have already wasted away so many opportunities.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With that I turned to my mother who usually buys my hubby and I an appliance or something household related for our house every year and asked if she would consider buying us a tree for our gift this year seeing as the one we have was tiny and I actually couldn’t remember where I had thrown it, she looked at me rather skeptically but she agreed and after we left my brothers place we went off to choose a tree and some decorations that included a llama, a unicorn, a kitty cat and lots of bells because if I am going to put up a tree I am going to make sure it is the most US tree that I can possibly muster.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We put it up over the weekend and I have to say it’s actually really nice to walk into our home and see this beautiful tree it just feels well... festive I suppose, it just feels a bit more like home.</div><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Not having Loghan home is so incredibly hard, I know we are doing what is best for him but it is so incredibly strange to not have to be on the go or on the alert all the time, to not be able to see my own child every day or to even phone him whenever I want to to even take him luxuries or treats, I just have to trust that at the end of the day we are getting him the help he needs and that it will allow him to have the future that I know he can have.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">All of my kids passed so I officially have a grade 1, grade 5 and grade 7 going into 2020 which is as scary as it is exciting, we are not too sure what direction we will be going in for Loghan next year we need to see how the program pans out and what his team recommends for him at the end of the 10 weeks next year, quite honestly given the upheaval of the last 6 months, the fact that we couldn't physically school him except for a few hours over weekends so he mainly had to self study and the fact that he had to complete 3rd term assessments in the evenings whilst completing 4th term work and still preparing for 4th term exams, I was surprised that he passed the year, even though his marks weren't the high end ranges that I am used to I think that he made it through a lot, our family made it through a lot and I am incredibly proud of all 3 of my children!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My leave starts on Friday afternoon so I am looking forward to baking cookies and making home decorations with the boys next week, I also have plans to repaint and fix up a few things that have become neglected in the house this past year which is helluva exciting for me although once I get into it I am sure there are going to be a fair amount of choice words that shall escape from my mouth but for now I remain filled with enthusiasm =)<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-72907878409866308592019-12-03T02:57:00.000-08:002019-12-03T02:57:19.985-08:00Give A Meaningful Gift this Holiday Season with TOMS<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 5.05pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-FOOe2p4Eo/XeY_ZhzljPI/AAAAAAAAE1A/j1z1iVyWVs0ikEmAlo-kISW0AW7U5XRXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="783" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-FOOe2p4Eo/XeY_ZhzljPI/AAAAAAAAE1A/j1z1iVyWVs0ikEmAlo-kISW0AW7U5XRXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 6.35pt; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 6.35pt; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 6.35pt; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>TOMS</b> was born of a belief in a better tomorrow. Since 2006, the TOMS community has been providing shoes, sight, and safe water to millions of people around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .55pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 6.1pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">in</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">addition</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">to</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">our</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">for</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">programs,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">we</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">are</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">partnering</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">with</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;">&nbsp;</span>change makers<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;">&nbsp;</span>and organizations who are striving for progress—by creating, by inspiring, by doing. Because it’s bigger than shoes. It’s what we do in</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 5.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With every <b>TOMS</b> purchase, you stand with us on issues that matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 113%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.7pt; margin-top: 4.2pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>its<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>inception,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>TOMS<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>has<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>given<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"></span>over<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>93,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>000,<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>000<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>pairs<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>shoes,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"></span>over<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>770,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>000<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>sight restorations, over 720, 000 weeks of safe water to deserving communities and<span style="letter-spacing: .95pt;"> </span>over<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .05pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$6,5 million in impact grants.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.8pt; margin-top: .05pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Supporting a business rooted in giving can be the greatest gift you give to yourself, and others this festive season. Visit <u style="text-underline: #0462C1;"><span style="color: #0462c1;"><a href="http://www.shoptoms.co.za/"><span style="color: #0462c1;">www.shoptoms.co.za</span><u style="text-underline: #000000;"><span style="color: #0462c1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #000000; text-underline: none;"> </span></u></a></span></u>to view the Spring/Summer ’19 range and shop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .45pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 5.05pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving back:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The holiday season is generally acknowledged as a time to give. There's an array of worthy causes that one can give to or volunteer time to, however not many of them allow you to spoil yourself while you give. Giving feels good, and if you can give to yourself while contributing to a worthy cause, why not go for it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .25pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: 5.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s a list of simple ways to give meaningfully this festive season:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.0pt 41.05pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Spend money on<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>others</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: 5.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is often said that spending money on others makes people happy. Give presents<span style="letter-spacing: -1.8pt;"> </span>to<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 2.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">people<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>who<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>matter<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>you.<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>Even<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>smallest<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"></span>gift<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>put<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>smile<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>someone’s<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"></span>face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.0pt 41.05pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Give time</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .05pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.7pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>time<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>mean<span style="letter-spacing: -.85pt;"> </span>anything<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"></span>from<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>volunteering<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>at<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>local<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>hospice<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>spending<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>time with<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"></span>loved<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>ones.<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>In<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>today's<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>busy<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>world,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>very<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>few<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>people<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"></span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>chance<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>spend<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"></span>time with<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>family<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>friends<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>be<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>present<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"></span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>moment.<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>Visit<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>an<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>old<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>friend<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"></span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>spend<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>the day with<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>relatives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .2pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.0pt 41.05pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Be<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;"> </span>kind</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .05pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.8pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone has challenges, many hidden from sight. Giving the gift of kindness can be the greatest gift you give someone. Lead with compassion this festive season and create a habit of performing random acts of kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .25pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: .05pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.0pt 41.05pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Support brands that give<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>back</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.7pt; margin-top: 5.05pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Giving makes people happier, more fulfilled and gives purpose and meaning to life. More<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>more<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>businesses<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>shifting<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>from<span style="letter-spacing: -.9pt;"> </span>being<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>only<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>profit-focused<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.9pt;"> </span>being<span style="letter-spacing: -.85pt;"> </span>people- focused. Giving back has always been at the core of TOMS values," says Moosa Mayet, Managing Director of TOMS South<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .55pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Social Media<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 347.95pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">IG: @Toms_southafrica FB: @tomssouthafrica #tomssouthafrica #shoptoms #standfortomorrow</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-85637453640609049242019-11-19T22:44:00.000-08:002019-11-19T22:48:01.063-08:00Spur Steak Ranches introduces Plant-based and vegan friendly menu <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was vegetarian for quite a number of years and in fact a vegetarian or even vegan meal is something I still thoroughly enjoy from time to time, I have also found that with my stomach/digestion issues and my gluten allergy that when I do experience a flare up that a veggie meal is usually a good call to make until my flare up settles down so although I did find that having a completely vegetarian diet was not the best thing for me long term I do like to have a few vegan/veggie options on hand at home and at times if I am eating out I will opt for the veggie option.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Taking this into account I was so incredibly excited when I received the news that Spur was bringing in a veggie/vegan menu!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Patrons of Spur Steak Ranches restaurants can now enjoy vegetarian and vegan friendly food at their favourite local eatery, following the introduction of a new plant-based menu at the restaurants across Spur in South Africa.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The official vegetarian and plant-based menu offers the option of vegan cheese and includes the following meals: Veggie Schnitzel, Crumbed Veggie Burger, Bean Burger and Soya Burger, all served with Spur-style crispy onion rings and chips or baked potato or sweet potato fries.&nbsp; The restaurant will also be adding the innovative, plant-based protein burger, Beyond Burger, to the menu from 22 November 2019. Beyond Burger will be supplied by Infinite Foods – distributors and manufacturers of the best-in-class plant-based food brands.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Nachos Mexicana (nachos smothered in zippy salsa, sticky cheese, chunky cottage cheese and guacamole) and the large cheesy quesadillas will stay as starter options for everyone, including vegetarians, who also have the option of a Greek Salad and or fresh hot vegetables.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Spur Steak Ranches is a on a journey of transformation as a brand and business. The introduction of the plant-based menu is one of the progressive steps we are taking towards a&nbsp;</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">more sustainable brand and business, while giving our customers greater choice, “explains Robertson.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">“A major part of our success as a business is rooted in our steak house heritage but inclusivity is still important to us, so while our based meals are prepared in a kitchen that handles animal products, we urge our customers to walk the journey with us as we evolve as a brand. We value the feedback of each and every single patron; and we’d like to continue to bring them together over great food as they create unforgettable memories.”</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Personally I know the struggle that comes with having a specialized diet whether by choice or because you are forced to all you want is to enjoy a meal without feeling like you are an inconvenience or that there are no options for you on the menu so I think it is great that a restaurant that has basically built its history and reputation on that of a steak house has seen the need to cater to people who would prefer another option or cannot eat meat for some or other dietary/health reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I think that moves likes these will eventually pave the way to a point where ''specialized" menus will be common place and not something that is few and far between and that will open doors for so many people, maybe one day it will become common place to walk into a store and find&nbsp; entire vegan/ veggie, gluten free/ dairy free etc isles instead of it being a find in a million at great expense type of experience and I think moves like this only show retailers that there is a demand and need and that it should be something that is catered for as a norm and not a luxury or nice to have.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IxEMRN5n0A/XdTgmkMnUTI/AAAAAAAAE0o/_gaK5m6C168d_DWDN37zYuEqg8bUTC9vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6114S%2BVF%2BPage%2BBeyondB%2BFA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1058" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IxEMRN5n0A/XdTgmkMnUTI/AAAAAAAAE0o/_gaK5m6C168d_DWDN37zYuEqg8bUTC9vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/6114S%2BVF%2BPage%2BBeyondB%2BFA.JPG" width="420" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-13152289641423651632019-11-11T06:05:00.000-08:002019-11-11T06:05:07.607-08:00Is ADHD over prescribed?<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lately I have seen a lot of people commenting on posts in response to moms/ parents facing a new ADHD diagnosis for their children, for the most part the responses are positive filled with tips and supports from other moms and parents who have traveled what can be a very daunting road with their own children, however there are often many posts especially of late admonishing the parent in question for choosing to go down the road of medicating their child, telling them that ADHD is over prescribed or better yet that it doesn’t exist.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As a parent who has been down this road I can tell you that ADHD is indeed very real for both the parent and family in question, on the note of it being over prescribed though I do actually agree although maybe not in the same way that the posters intentions come across.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You see as real as it is ADHD has blown up as far as a form of diagnosis is concerned and whilst I would factor in that times have changed and that we live in a time where people are not only more aware of the symptoms and issues that come with a child who has ADHD, our food and all the hormones that they pump into it is also something I believe plays a huge role as well as the change in environment and structure in our children’s lives today where there is less free play encouragement at schools and our children are often tied to a host of overstimulating technological devices throughout their daily living, taking this all into account I do still agree that it is a diagnosis that often is too easily and overly diagnosed or suggested as a diagnosis factoring in that our teachers and schools are over prescribed and overburdened with admin and that one teacher is forced to cope with up to 40 or more children on their own- if your child is not able to cope or function within difficult and often emotionally taxing situations- they are ADHD, ADHD symptoms and behaviours can often tie into other disorders that look like ADHD but aren’t as well so often a diagnosis of ADHD is quickly made without a second opinion or a consideration of other options.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now getting an assessment and diagnosis is expensive I get it so I understand, I also understand that as a ‘normal every day Joe’ you want to trust that the person who has studied for a number of years that you are paying a small fortune to knows what they are doing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My advice to all parents who are concerned or have been pushed to get an evaluation by your child’s school; ALWAYS:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -&nbsp;</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Do your research, make sure that you are comfortable with the professional that you choose, do not be afraid to ask around to see how other parents have fared with the professional in question.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If you are unsure of the diagnosis, the assessment, the report or even the professional (post&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;assessment), get a second opinion!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-&nbsp;</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Run through all the options post diagnosis and don’t be afraid to go home and do your research first before making a decision.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -</span></span></span>Try everything else you can before meds- involve your child in extra murals, create a structured daily routine, remove excess technology, change their diet, talk to your child and ascertain how they feel sometimes how they feel can help you ascertain if the issue is something within their environment or if it is actually something that can be diagnosed as a learning disorder, also have your child’s eyes and ears checked to make sure that there are no issues there that could be causing an issue.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Gabriel started grade R on a good footing but he struggled to sit still, was often incredibly needy and emotional, he rocked, he made noises constantly and although academically he was doing well we were a bit concerned as was his teacher about his behavior, we even asked that he be kept back in order to ensure that when he got to grade 1 he was as emotionally prepared and ready as he possibly could be- his birthday falls mid-December so it is not uncommon for Children at the younger side of the year to struggle a bit especially emotionally and I have met many older parents who chose to keep their children back because of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Unfortunately our request/ suggestion was denied by the school because he was academically strong and he went through to grade 1, of course the issue didn’t stop and eventually it was suggested that a government/ department appointed psychologist come in to do an evaluation.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The evaluation spanned 3 hours after which Gabriel was an emotional mess, he had asked to take a break half way through and he was denied and of course the evaluation ended in an ADHD diagnosis which I did not agree with AT ALL, the school of course once they had this diagnosis would not hear any other which way about it and insisted we put him onto medication, eventually we chose to remove Gabriel from the school as the school had unfortunately started on the same route as they had with Loghan where I was called for everything and I had to collect or keep him home so many times for something ridiculous it just became to much and I couldn’t see us mentally coping with that road again.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It has not been 3 years and Gabriel has been medication free for all this time, he currently attends a school that leaves the decision up to you as a parent and embraces your child and encourages them rather than forcing them to conform to one learning strategy and way of expressing themselves and their emotions. Having said this if your child needs medication to cope or be their best self then do not remove their medication, if a person has diabetes you would not deny them their insulin.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Over these past 3 years I have come to the realization that we were right and Gabriel’s issue is not ADHD but rather that he struggles or has issues with sensory processing. He is incredibly sensory seeking hence why he always wants to move, always makes noises, is always in motion and loves touching and feeling everything, its why he sucks his thumb and hangs onto objects that have a certain feel to them at the same time when he is tired or overwhelmed he will close his ears to the noise around him and will seek out a quiet place with no one around him, he also more often than not needs an afternoon nap particularly when he has done a lot during that day or the classroom has been particularly active or noisy.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Since coming to this realization and approaching his behaviors from this point we have managed to get a handle on his behavior and emotions (for the most part) much quicker and easier where we can walk away calm rather than ending up with a meltdown.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You can never do enough research, listen to your instinct, although I will agree that a teacher has your child in the care for a good amount of time and that they can often pick up on things or see things that we don’t always see or see as an ‘issue’, no one knows your child like you do and it is up to you to ensure that you do as much research as you possibly can and that you make a decision that allows them to be their best self and achieve to their greatest capacity while remaining emotionally fulfilled and whole.<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-90411368323791067522019-10-22T02:26:00.001-07:002019-10-22T03:13:30.693-07:00Make Christmas Gifting easy with Hasbro<br /><div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK3"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>I’m going to be honest here, Christmas…. Not my thing, I grew up in a household where although we were always blessed with gifts etc during the holidays but the overall so to say spirit was never there, it was just never a major thing in our family and from the age of 13 I was already choosing and wrapping up my own gifts to go under the tree.</b></span></span></a></div><div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK3"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Then I had my own children and although I still don’t get the whole craziness of the holidays I do of course try to make it something special for my kids, I have to admit though the older they get the more I struggle with gift ideas and that is one of the things I love about Hasbro they always have a wide range of good quality toys and games and all of my kids will love which makes things a whole lot easier when it comes to compiling that Christmas list that every parent loves oh so much.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Back to Hasbro- every year they make things a bit simpler by taking the time to compile a list of their most anticipated gifts, toys and games, t<span lang="X-NONE" style="color: black;">hey </span><span lang="EN-US">ensure that there is something for everyone – from fun family activities to active play, imaginative play, creative play and so much more, if you are out of ideas or looking for something that your kiddos will love this list is for you!</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">HASBRO’S 2019 ‘BEST SELLER’ SELECTION FOR THE UP-COMING SEASON: </span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></span></div><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"></span> <br /><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoCommentText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><u>FurReal Cubby </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoCommentText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoCommentText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Is the Curious Bear Interactive Plush Toy, is a dream companion for kids. He has over 100 </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;">different interactions and responds to touch, voice and motion</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">. Cubby plays peek-a-boo,</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">and let’s not forget snack time - feed him his bottle or treat and he’ll make eating sounds. When</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> it comes to bedtime, you switch&nbsp;him into a nighttime mode and he slowly falls asleep and plays a variety of music and white noise to also help the child sleep.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMbghI0hxAw/Xa7FFt8C-1I/AAAAAAAAExc/dsJ-_aXYXAMlaJNHEfmPst3pxyji5V_vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/177849_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMbghI0hxAw/Xa7FFt8C-1I/AAAAAAAAExc/dsJ-_aXYXAMlaJNHEfmPst3pxyji5V_vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/177849_7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>Nerf- New and Exciting Blaster options</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Nerf<b> Trilogy DS-15 </b>toy blaster has ejecting shells to heat up your Nerf dart-blasting action. Unleash a triple-dart blast with this Nerf N-Strike Elite blaster that shoots 3 darts at once from each shell. &nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkMG7h_rQK8/Xa7FKY6XADI/AAAAAAAAExg/tstG0xEnbRsmY7Ka8LlNfzFF8AKGuNBMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2e82fd2b-c8ed-4683-979e-afef40f9857b_1.65997a515fcab69787766968c3369811.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkMG7h_rQK8/Xa7FKY6XADI/AAAAAAAAExg/tstG0xEnbRsmY7Ka8LlNfzFF8AKGuNBMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2e82fd2b-c8ed-4683-979e-afef40f9857b_1.65997a515fcab69787766968c3369811.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span><b><span style="color: lime; font-family: inherit;"><u>Nerf Fortnite AR-E blaster</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspired by the blaster used in Fortnite, is the only way to play Fortnite in real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Drop into indoor and outdoor Fortnite action with this motorised, dart-firing Nerf Elite Fortnite blaster that features </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">two flip-up sights to help you align your shot and an acceleration button to power up the motor.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lKa1vC_RjM/Xa7FPZWZmtI/AAAAAAAAExk/XuilQRvqYKgrnpHQYyQSTBLrTBQMQQt2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GUEST_753591c3-ec63-45a2-ba94-15098235e215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="488" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lKa1vC_RjM/Xa7FPZWZmtI/AAAAAAAAExk/XuilQRvqYKgrnpHQYyQSTBLrTBQMQQt2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/GUEST_753591c3-ec63-45a2-ba94-15098235e215.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span>Nerf Rival Helios XVIII-700 blaster.&nbsp;</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pull back the bolt to prime the blaster and unleash rounds at a velocity of 30 meters per second. The bolt placement can be customised to accommodate right or left-handed battlers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPlcjQvvLf0/Xa7FSgnku5I/AAAAAAAAExo/raDXp1V1dL83JwbCR4-1LKFR2lIoQSeDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/71DbRJEPh8L._SX466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="466" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPlcjQvvLf0/Xa7FSgnku5I/AAAAAAAAExo/raDXp1V1dL83JwbCR4-1LKFR2lIoQSeDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/71DbRJEPh8L._SX466_.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* My kids love both Nerf and Fortnite so I just know that these new additions are going to be a winner this year, we have amassed quite the collection of Nerf guns over the past few years and I have to be honest as far as gun toy options go I really don’t mind these at all and as a parent its actually fun to join in and even launch an ‘attack’ on your unsuspecting partner… who may be asleep… on the couch… *<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><u>Transformers War for Cybertron: Siege toy figures</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Siege plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the Autobot and Decepticon battle to control Cybertron. Build the ultimate battlefield with these figures that come with customisable weapon configurations.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGKciNCrOok/Xa7FZe2h6xI/AAAAAAAAExs/Pdjqig1_ZqkX_VH7upDWcCFWIOHH5dMqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81s5vqmPzpL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGKciNCrOok/Xa7FZe2h6xI/AAAAAAAAExs/Pdjqig1_ZqkX_VH7upDWcCFWIOHH5dMqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81s5vqmPzpL._SX425_.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: magenta;"><u>Power Rangers Beast Morphers Action Zord figure assortment</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Imagine teaming up and battling the Power Rangers' toughest enemies standing 25 cm tall, and with the included accessories, these action figure toys are ready for action against any foe. </span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u>Frozen 2 Singing Elsa and Anna Fashion dolls</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Young fans of the Disney Frozen movies will love the<b>se, </b>each doll includes a Frozen 2 inspired outfit, press the button on the bodice to watch the dress light up and hear a snippet of an original song from the Frozen 2 movie. Sing along while imagining scenes with Arendelle's favourite sister duo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6x42O2KlR0/Xa7HEGUJHxI/AAAAAAAAEzc/VGYkR1_9cFItIhhDt9H5xdIaAYmyjL9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/singing-elsa-and-anna-frozen-2-dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1034" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6x42O2KlR0/Xa7HEGUJHxI/AAAAAAAAEzc/VGYkR1_9cFItIhhDt9H5xdIaAYmyjL9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/singing-elsa-and-anna-frozen-2-dolls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*My best friend’s daughter would go absolutely moggy for these, I don’t think I have ever seen a bigger Frozen fan.*</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><u>Baby Alive Happy Hungry Baby </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This baby doll<b> </b></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">loves to eat. Mix baby’s food with water to make doll food that looks like the real thing. When you give baby her spoon, she opens wide and really eats her doll food. She also giggles, moves, and asks for more. With over 50 sounds and phrases, this sweet baby doll makes feeding and changing time feel oh-so-real and fun. &nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4798Sxob6g/Xa7FwB0O_WI/AAAAAAAAEx8/05S_SNtNT6UBEXWeerlMrj81GlNjpQsqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/177858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4798Sxob6g/Xa7FwB0O_WI/AAAAAAAAEx8/05S_SNtNT6UBEXWeerlMrj81GlNjpQsqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/177858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><u>Play- Doh: Tootie, the hilarious unicorn ice cream maker</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Picture </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a land of colourful dreams where unicorns poop Play-Doh ice cream. Meet <b>Tootie, the hilarious unicorn ice cream maker</b>who loves to create silly Play-Doh sundaes. As she dispenses Play-Doh colours this unicorn toy makes laugh-out-loud sounds and even changes her facial expression. </span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIb5RHyUmPI/Xa7F0uU8PHI/AAAAAAAAEyA/5AF7XJr9NfQVl0GADbUIx1o2dRqMCKu5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/R2561439_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIb5RHyUmPI/Xa7F0uU8PHI/AAAAAAAAEyA/5AF7XJr9NfQVl0GADbUIx1o2dRqMCKu5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/R2561439_40.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><u>Play-Doh popcorn maker &amp; </u></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><u>Play-Doh Stamp 'n Top Pizza Oven</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">There's no stoppin' the poppin' fun with this toy, which includes everything you need to make creative Play-Doh popcorn masterpieces. Crank pretend popcorn into the 3 bucket sizes and mix it up with silly snack mixes. Add fun play food toppings like pretend pretzels, crazy candy, and more with the candy-themed stamps and moulds. Don't forget to squeeze in some silly syrup or butter with the syrup tool.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little chefs can also go pizza crazy with the <b>Play-Doh Stamp 'n Top Pizza Oven.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Stamp a pizza crust in the oven, then go wild creating and customising with the variety of tools and moulds included.<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiLb0L1UXc/Xa7F-N1OPoI/AAAAAAAAEyI/Wf_w_V33Ihs4hpkbYknTpgBzBWqunJwiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GUEST_fd231bb8-21f0-4f8a-8124-8d43ba9b403a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiLb0L1UXc/Xa7F-N1OPoI/AAAAAAAAEyI/Wf_w_V33Ihs4hpkbYknTpgBzBWqunJwiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GUEST_fd231bb8-21f0-4f8a-8124-8d43ba9b403a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXNdYjjcN1o/Xa7F6HRb78I/AAAAAAAAEyE/TF4WF8KS4x8GlQcJAoJLNDH-YR4QalyKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/play-doh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="695" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXNdYjjcN1o/Xa7F6HRb78I/AAAAAAAAEyE/TF4WF8KS4x8GlQcJAoJLNDH-YR4QalyKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/play-doh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*These are actually really cute, Play Doh is one of those classic ‘toy’ items that most children are bound to love and I really love seeing these new play sets and options that are coming out, it just makes the Play Doh even more interactive and fun.*<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><u>Oh My Giggles Pinkie Pie</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The My Little Pony&nbsp;world is filled with magic, friendship, fun and laughter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Tickle this version of Pinkie Pie and watch as she starts to giggle, wiggle and laugh - the more she is tickled the harder she laughs and the faster she moves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTCLascoQ14/Xa7GCFp_oQI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/yHWn8wumMpcLdXFf8jJV3pL1g49xKRGUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/oh-my-giggles-pinkie-pie-toy_000000000006462193_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="767" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTCLascoQ14/Xa7GCFp_oQI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/yHWn8wumMpcLdXFf8jJV3pL1g49xKRGUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/oh-my-giggles-pinkie-pie-toy_000000000006462193_f.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">*My Little Pony is another great hit in our house and Pinkie Pie is my absolute favourite, well her and Flutter Shy (Did you know they are voiced by the same person?). I love how the show and the toys encourage friendship, love and understanding rather than just being a show or story that a child gains nothing further from, both my younger sons (even my older son on occasion although he tries to hide it) love the show and I have purchased a few ponies along the way.*</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><u>Mr. Potato Head Movin Lips </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is an interactive talking toy, that’s fun and entertaining for kids as well as adults. Just attach his mouth and press the buttons, his lips </span>synchronize<span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;to wacky songs and some funny phrases.</span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyO17ZmGrNE/Xa7GFkeSWLI/AAAAAAAAEyU/_ZEFbfPiwPAq0aoiNXypszHiRuZO4sh8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/13620235829278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyO17ZmGrNE/Xa7GFkeSWLI/AAAAAAAAEyU/_ZEFbfPiwPAq0aoiNXypszHiRuZO4sh8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/13620235829278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Board Games</u><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk21200786"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Ms Monopoly</u></span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all know the guy in top hat and tails right but have you met Ms Monopoly a self-made investment guru, who is here to celebrate women trailblazers in the first game where women make more than men. Instead of buying properties, players invest in groundbreaking inventions and innovations made possible by women throughout history. From inventions like WiFi to chocolate chip cookies to space station batteries, MS. MONOPOLY celebrates everything from scientific advancements to everyday accessories. In the MS. MONOPOLY game, women get a higher payout at the start of the game and more money when passing ‘Go’, but who you are is up to you! </span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcpwB9ZgWhI/Xa7GJcSqnTI/AAAAAAAAEyY/0cwDZjchIYwQb5S_gsiib6XHXkJklijjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ms-monopoly-hasbro-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="664" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcpwB9ZgWhI/Xa7GJcSqnTI/AAAAAAAAEyY/0cwDZjchIYwQb5S_gsiib6XHXkJklijjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ms-monopoly-hasbro-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Monopoly is one of those games that I have kind of avoided given the length of time that a game takes up and my children’s very limited concentration span but I have to say that this idea rocks and it may be something that I will try out in the near future, The Nerf Fortnite may go down a better treat for my boys though, we will have to see.*</span></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u>Monopoly Fortnite</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u> &nbsp;</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this thrilling Fortnite inspired edition of the Monopoly game, players claim locations, battle opponents, and avoid the Storm to survive. The gameplay, design, and components of the board game include elements inspired by the video game including Fortnite locations and loot chest cards. Instead of Monopoly money, players earn Health Points (HP). Like in the Fortnite video game, the last player standing wins!</span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zOZgp42Dnk/Xa7GMnnQSyI/AAAAAAAAEyg/fdYixALasZAi3k_bAU66bz2-OGcxeJL0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/c16e76bab220b15ad69fe0399bbffe73.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="728" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zOZgp42Dnk/Xa7GMnnQSyI/AAAAAAAAEyg/fdYixALasZAi3k_bAU66bz2-OGcxeJL0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/c16e76bab220b15ad69fe0399bbffe73.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><u>Connect 4 Shots</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This game combines the </span>game play<span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;of the original Connect 4 game with fast-paced, competitive excitement. Two players at a time race to get four balls of their colour in a row to win. Kids can also practice solo to prepare for a future Connect 4 Shots </span>match up<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*I grew up loving this game, I still love it and we have a mini set at home!*</span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Stocking Fillers<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="color: orange;">Play-Doh Colour Burst</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The classic non-toxic Play-Doh compound with an innovative way to mix and play. Use the roller or your hands to squish and blend the two colours together for a cool marbling and blending effect and watch the colours swirl and change before your eyes. </span><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0sge7kbJ6M/Xa7GRoJRUDI/AAAAAAAAEyo/mNubxzRk6lwFjP_lpC7j4S9V39r-Uwf9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/182658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0sge7kbJ6M/Xa7GRoJRUDI/AAAAAAAAEyo/mNubxzRk6lwFjP_lpC7j4S9V39r-Uwf9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/182658.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Nerf Microshots Fortnite</span></u></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A series of collectible, mini-sized Nerf toy blasters. Blasters in this assortment include replicas of the Fortnite TS blaster, Fortnite RL blaster and Fortnite Llama blaster, inspired by the iconic purple pinata loot box used in the popular video game.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okqOt6vm_IQ/Xa7GVe6ynqI/AAAAAAAAEy0/yhY5FvRswwcO1QHMz96AuduV-4Hw-CDCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81SLV0UK5BL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okqOt6vm_IQ/Xa7GVe6ynqI/AAAAAAAAEy0/yhY5FvRswwcO1QHMz96AuduV-4Hw-CDCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/81SLV0UK5BL._SX425_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Since this mama is a llama with llama minions for children I know I will need to pop at least 3 of these in our trolley this year!*<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: cyan;"><u>Lost Kitties Mice Mania milk carton singles</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each of these include a mouse or kitty figure, meme stickers, two hidden accessories and a collector’s sheet. Store the compound in the resealable carton so you can keep discovering over and over again.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owo1zjrL0Kg/Xa7GZ2j5q4I/AAAAAAAAEy4/Plf2IQy_mmAMw79Rbs6sj1RqK0PsbXCJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81fdJoeN%252BSL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owo1zjrL0Kg/Xa7GZ2j5q4I/AAAAAAAAEy4/Plf2IQy_mmAMw79Rbs6sj1RqK0PsbXCJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/81fdJoeN%252BSL._SX425_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: magenta;"><u>15-cm Power Rangers Beast Morphers figures</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">These feature multiple points of articulation and design. With the included Morph-X key, kids can imagine unlocking hero powers in the Beast-X Morpher toy (<i>sold separately).</i></span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSskqNkf9fI/Xa7GfK2_IJI/AAAAAAAAEy8/CkuW3repkyMjqyXwDd2kuVO7icFFhgOJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/morphersagain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="845" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSskqNkf9fI/Xa7GfK2_IJI/AAAAAAAAEy8/CkuW3repkyMjqyXwDd2kuVO7icFFhgOJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/morphersagain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>Marvel Figures</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Classic Marvel design action figures, kids can create scenes from the Marvel Universe or imagine their own incredible adventures. This assortment includes Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: orange;"><u>My Little Pony Cutie Mark Crew</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These combine the worlds of My Little Pony and Equestria Girls to imagine a universe of play and friendships. With a tropical vacation theme e</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ach blind bag includes an adorable 4cm figure, beach-themed accessory, collector card and a cute storage case.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t53KnPSrMSU/Xa7GjLYl4lI/AAAAAAAAEzE/klN4S0iYeNkZQgQEjypKyILmTqMaJhvCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81gaM8jh-pL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="425" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t53KnPSrMSU/Xa7GjLYl4lI/AAAAAAAAEzE/klN4S0iYeNkZQgQEjypKyILmTqMaJhvCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81gaM8jh-pL._SX425_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">*These will for sure make their way into our trolley this year for my younger sons too cute for words!*</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><u>My Little Pony Equestria Girls Fashion Squad</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dolls <i>(each sold separately)</i> in this assortment to mix and match more styles. Each mini doll comes with two outfit pieces recognisable to her character, a pair of shoes, and an accessory to dress her up in her signature style.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqK1vht8B1E/Xa7Gomt5P-I/AAAAAAAAEzI/1ep6ybwhEswPaIR5RrmNcyqgNxWcjeigQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81-p8wAjAqL._SY679_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqK1vht8B1E/Xa7Gomt5P-I/AAAAAAAAEzI/1ep6ybwhEswPaIR5RrmNcyqgNxWcjeigQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81-p8wAjAqL._SY679_.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Hasbro products are available from </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">leading retailers including: </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.takealot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Takealot.com</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">, </span></span>Makro, Toys R Us, ToyZone, Toy Kingdom, Game and Checkers.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information visit:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook <a href="mailto:%20@PlayDohSouthAfrica">@PlayDohSouthAfrica</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MonopolySouthAfrica/">@MonopolySouthAfrica</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NerfSouthAfrica/">@NerfSouthAfrica</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyLittlePonySouthAfrica/">@MyLittlePonySouthAfrica</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TransformersSouthAfrica/">@TransformersSouthAfrica</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-88365217920971147642019-10-11T03:21:00.001-07:002019-10-11T03:21:07.010-07:00World Mental Health Awareness, I am not coping.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvDCLy8SnQA/XaBXRv95SXI/AAAAAAAAExM/uwLkjw4RGicYa-zJ51-yzeoLp39xw_0VACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/788f83f1b60ff08cdb668deecf7b3f64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvDCLy8SnQA/XaBXRv95SXI/AAAAAAAAExM/uwLkjw4RGicYa-zJ51-yzeoLp39xw_0VACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/788f83f1b60ff08cdb668deecf7b3f64.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This post should have gone up yesterday but to be honest I couldn’t string two words together yesterday… In the wake of world mental health awareness I am struggling right now, seriously struggling.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So many friends and loved ones have told me I am strong, to have people say that who love and care about you is an amazing thing but truth be told every time I hear those words a voice inside my head literally screams because I am not as strong as people would like to believe.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At the moment I am honestly dying inside I spend most of my day passing between a day dream is this my life kind of state and what the fuck am I going to do going forward state, it is never ending and I just wish that someone would tell me and us what to do because I am honestly at a point of second guessing everything all over again.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I feel so angry, hurt and confused- I have been doing this without meds, with the support of my tribe and a I can do this attitude or a I must do this attitude for so long and truth be told I just don’t know if I can put on a face do it anymore.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Suck it up Buttercup! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Just keep pushing<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow is another day<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You are strong<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Your children need you to do this<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You don’t have time to rest<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You don’t need a break and shouldn’t need one<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You need to work, you cannot stay at home<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You can’t take off for another appointment or leave work for one you will get fired<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you don’t fight who will<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You’re fine you just need to smile, change your attitude<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Every day all day from every angle- what next, where next- how can I be a good mother, wife and friend whilst still keeping my shit together and keeping my job.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You want to know how I cope?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I start painting our bedroom on a Sunday afternoon and spend the next few nights painting into the early hours, I clean our shower with a toothbrush (at 2am), I start re-grouting our tiles at 11 o clock on some rando Saturday morning, I cry when I watch anything remotely cute, sad or even happy and I laugh inappropriately, I drink wine and smoke too much, I snap at my kids and then cry because I did, I get out of bed at 10 pm because my mind won’t stop racing and start baking muffins because my kids love them, I flow between feeling like a shit mother because I won’t just quit my job and dedicate my entire existence to my children and my eldest sons education and well being and a shitty person for wanting to just walk away from it all.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In short… I am not coping right now; my anxiety is through the roof my OCD is taking over...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I feel everything and nothing at all and my heart is tired so is my soul and I just wish someone out there could give me the answers, I just wish someone could tell us we are making the right choices, taking the right path but that person doesn’t exist and it scares the hell out of me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Today I just need to be sad, It’s not about anyone else, I have an amazing support system who has gone out of their way to help and be there for us and that support is something I cherish and value; tomorrow I may wake up with renewed optimism ready to go and face the world again, to fight and be strong but today, today I just need to be sad and angry, I just need to not be ok.<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-87074293045733846262019-10-01T07:33:00.002-07:002019-10-01T07:33:56.758-07:00A new journey....<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've taken a step back over the last month or so, we recently received some devastating news with regards to my eldest son and it has been a roller coaster of a fortnight trying to navigate a way forward; a lot of things have come into perspective for me personally and I find myself more than ever grappling with the need to do more, to be a voice for other parents, families and children facing the same road we are, I feel there is not enough said, not enough support and resources and so many people out there need to know that they are not alone, so a new blog that will run alongside although focusing specifically on our journey with my eldest is in the works as well as something else, if I can help even one person realize that they are not alone then I will have done what my heart has set out to do!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">So here it is the start of a new journey, the title of the blog may seem intense and I encourage you to follow us along our journey if you want to educate yourself on just what we are dealing with and how far our family has come and what we have had to deal with up until this point, there is a long journey ahead of us but we are finally getting the answers we have so desperately fought for, we are not the only family going through this and we will not be the last but we</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;">&nbsp;will not lie down and give up, please help me be apart of the solution spreading awareness and raising the call to demand better mental health therapy access, support and guidance. Become an advocate for change! I know it is still early days so please forgive the basic look of the blog and the lack of content at this stage I am putting this time in around my working schedule and trying to navigate the point of our journey we have reached, but I know in my heart that this is what I am meant to do, I am tired of feeling ashamed and scared to share our story as I am sure many families are!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">I will continue to post on this space but this space will center&nbsp;around our general family life, sponsored posts and such whilst the other blog will be related specifically to our journey with my eldest and our call for change and support in the mental health community.</span></span></div><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://raisingpsychopathy.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>https://raisingpsychopathy.blogspot.com/</b></span></a></div>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-70736189075442669782019-09-04T03:28:00.001-07:002019-09-04T03:28:21.188-07:00I looked up and he was gone…<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>This has been an incredibly scary week for woman and people in South Africa, the amount of senseless violence and in particular gender based violence is rampant, it would seem that the world has gone completely mad, children being abducted from their schools, woman being bludgeoned in public places or being murdered by their partners, parents murdering their own children or their partners children, it really is enough to make you lock yourself and your children up indoors and never leave, only we cant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We want to believe that our children are safe at school and then a child is taken, we want to believe our children are safe in a mall… they aren’t, this is all playing so heavily our minds, not just the minds of us as woman but as mothers, even our husbands and partners who cannot guarantee the safety of their wives, mothers, sisters or children (no matter their gender).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The feeling of sheer terror is one that I but glimpsed for 2 minutes yesterday when I went to collect my middle son from school, he jumped out the car when we got to my office, I had parked mere feet away from the door, I ducked my head behind the seat to grab his homework sheet and when I looked up… my son was gone.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I walked to the door of my office and when my colleague opened for me I asked her where Gabriel had gone, she was sitting right there with a certain amount of visibility over the parking lot and she wasn’t sure.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My heart sank; he must be playing hide and seek… I ran to the car I checked… he wasn’t there.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I started calling for him but he did not respond… I went back into my office again- are you sure he isn’t here? No! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I hit all panic stations raced outside and started frantically searching and screaming his name… he’s gone oh my god he is gone was all that ran through my head. I didn’t care who was watching who was listening the fear was overwhelming!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I stopped for a moment and then I heard it- his giggle and his voice… I raced into the open gym next door and low and behold there he was, both anger and relief overwhelmed me as I screamed at him telling him never to do that again; couldn’t he hear me screaming. His face sank and he was almost in tears how could he comprehend the sheer terror of those moments, those moments in which I thought that I had lost my child.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It all ended well for us but the truth is that anything can happen, it only takes a second and the fact that we have to live with this fear every day is completely unacceptable!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our children have the right to feel and be safe, we as people have the right to feel safe… woman or men; at the mall or at our schools or offices, my male colleague remarked yesterday saying that he doesn’t know why all this is happening all of a sudden but the truth is this violence has been going on for a long time, people have just had enough, social media is taking over and our voices are becoming louder, the sad thing is that we have a government who promotes education with seductively placed woman holding books in adverts, we have a government who cares more about their 10 cars and their next holiday than the people who they are supposed to be protecting and that is scary.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It is time for us as a community, as a country to say enough is enough and we will not stand for it, we will not stand by as our colleagues, neighbors, friends and loved ones are taken in acts of senseless violence, we will not remain silent, take a stand starting yesterday!<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-1411201345519553262019-08-05T02:28:00.000-07:002019-08-06T02:22:02.263-07:00IQ results and updates... being a mom is hard<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So this year we have had to go through a lot of testing on Loghan’s side and one of the tests we have had done in the past but we did again was an IQ and educational assessment.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We received the results last week and although I knew from previous testing that Loghan’s IQ was very high I didn’t quite expect him to score as high as he did… now I know the psychologist seemed quite taken back at my reaction he exclaimed that many people himself included would love to have an IQ as high as his and don’t get me wrong I am incredibly proud as I stated I have always known he is incredibly bright.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">However looking back on our journey and the difficulties he and we have experienced and continue to experience with him to the point where we have been told that Loghan is an extremely complex case and the doctors themselves struggle to place and understand him- remarking on how many of the autism traits he displays that correspond with his diagnosis but at the same time he displays so many traits that contradict that diagnosis, further complicating the matter and how we can help him I just cannot help but wonder if things would have been easier for him if he had a normal or average IQ.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It is wonderful to have a child that can figure out theorems and concepts that go over my heard from the get go and it’s wonderful to know that many of his difficulties are as a result of or in part of his intellectual abilities ie he will often come across as arrogant or rude think Sheldon of Big Bang and yes there are definitely times when it is deliberate but often it isn’t and he just doesn’t get the sarcasm or the joke etc and takes offence to it or it just goes over his head.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">From a personal stand point my IQ isn’t bad either, but when your child’s IQ gives them the ability to put complex thought into their actions and then they choose to act in a certain way or make decisions that are to be blunt stupid I just don’t know any more guys I really don’t.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">On a good note we managed to secure an appointment next month for hormonal testing and another appointment for Urology to check up on the operation Loghan underwent when he was younger for a missed birth defect. The operation and the hospital stay at that time was incredibly traumatizing,many of the nurses were inpatient, the doctor we saw for aftercare was rude and spoke to both myself and Loghan in a disgusting manner he also physically hurt Loghan by ripping the catheter that was put through his tummy out when he grew impatient with my very scared 4 year old- overall a terrible experience! Nothing was explained to us properly we do not even know why the defect went unnoticed when he was in NICU, but&nbsp; I refuse to dwell on that although I feel that the information we are being told now in relation to that birth defect and why it occurs would have helped tremendously there is no use harping on the matter we can only move forward.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The thing is most people who I know don’t know Loghan’s complete journey they may know bits and pieces but VERY few people actually know what my son went through and has been through in his 12 years on this Earth, those that do know have been my greatest support system and they understand what we as a family have gone and are going through. Many people will retort that one’s experiences are no excuse for poor or bad behaviors but the fact of the matter is that they do mold the way forward, they do leave an impression especially on a child.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I just.. I feel like I have done or am doing my child an injustice I feel like he has been denied the carefree childhood every child deserves and I feel that as a parent I have been denied in many instances the enjoyment of my child if that makes sense like I haven’t just been able to enjoy his childhood and watch him grow to experience a normal or non-chaotic life and he has been denied that as well and thus my other children in return because I have had to hyper focus most of my attention on their brother, I also sometimes feel like I am doing him injustice by not being able to foster his intelligence in constructive ways- maths and science just aren’t my jam and funds are always so tight I wish I could enroll him in robotics class or sit down and do engineering or science projects with him, I try but to be frank it just ends in frustration and most of the time I am so tired from just trying to keep everything and everyone going and together I can quite honestly barely remember what day it is… I only remembered it was my anniversary 2 days beforehand I totally spaced because I have so many dates running through my head for appointments and so many ideas and strategies for behavior management and then just trying to be a decent mom to my other children and a wife who puts a decent meal on the table at the end of each day…. Sigh.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I will say that Loghan’s new psychologist (the last one immigrated) is amazing and he has brought so much insight and new information, thoughts and ideas to the table, it feels like he has genuine interest in our case and that he actually cares what happens to our child and our family unlike many whom we have seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This is a tremendous help and relief but we still have a long road to walk and a long way to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-4098339200604892632019-07-15T05:59:00.000-07:002019-07-15T06:41:00.513-07:00My life isn’t INSTA-perfect… <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmREl31SXW4/XSx4e1dKMjI/AAAAAAAAEsU/LwHgEpaQA5YvN-c-5Em8ArapU68c1u4fACLcBGAs/s1600/40585238_2137779696267167_7257012774985707570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmREl31SXW4/XSx4e1dKMjI/AAAAAAAAEsU/LwHgEpaQA5YvN-c-5Em8ArapU68c1u4fACLcBGAs/s320/40585238_2137779696267167_7257012774985707570_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I would really love to say that my life… our life; is as perfect as an Instagram post filtered to perfection, not a blurry edge or a misplaced item in sight…. Hell I would love to say that my actual Instagram even contains pictures that are vaguely perfect, but I am one helluva lazy photographer and getting my kiddos to stand still when I cannot even stand still for 5 minutes, who has the time I ask you?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Every day I browse through so many wonderful images, smoothie bowls and Disneyland trips, social events and morning faces that look like model snap shots but with time… and age, I have realised that besides the fact that I am just never going to be that mum, I have nothing to prove, I do not need to please someone else and I do not need to convince anyone that I love my life; each and every chaotic piece of it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sure I’ve lost a fair amount of my sanity along the way, but that’s ok… I’m ok… I’m ok with that.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In fact I am more than ok.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It has taken time… I have fallen over my own feet and been fooled into trusting people that never had mine or my families well beings at heart and yet at the same time I have met people, wondrous amazing people who have pulled us up and helped us forward, who have been supportive and encouraging, loving and selfless- showing me that my life our life does not need to be picture perfect and it sure as anything doesn’t matter if anyone else thinks it is or isn’t.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As a society it appears from my end that everything has come to revolve around that perfect image those carefully placed snapshots, keeping up appearances for people you hardly know and in many cases may have no respect or liking for, the filters… the pretence, media influences who paint this picture of a cookie cutter world that has little place in reality and sets the younger generation up for a fall.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As a child I loved to take photos and I have an entire album full of poorly taken blurred images of random things, random moments, imperfection at its best… but that is what makes them so absolutely perfect.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My life is that perfect perfection and I love it, I love the people in my life whose crazy matches mine, I love my kids whose life mission is to remove strands of what is left of my sanity one strand at a time, I love my husband who is probably the only partner I have ever had who has seen all my crazy… the entire hot mess that is me and he remains by my side.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My life isn’t INSTA- perfect, we will never be those people…. And I’m ok with that=)<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-31455805017014737422019-07-12T06:51:00.002-07:002019-07-12T06:55:36.369-07:00The Ariel Debacle<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5NeabFII3c/XSiQGQBwgoI/AAAAAAAAEsI/qvQqhaeWV3Q69568Ha4zbDTNaT1RStOmQCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5NeabFII3c/XSiQGQBwgoI/AAAAAAAAEsI/qvQqhaeWV3Q69568Ha4zbDTNaT1RStOmQCLcBGAs/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hold on to your Dinglehoppers folks cause I never thought I would see the day that I would sit here at my desk discussing the choice of a casting for a Disney character but who knew here we are so let us just dive in head first shall be.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am going to be honest apart from Mary Poppins my mom will confirm that The Little Mermaid was my absolute favorite film during my first 5 years of life, so deep was my love for the film that I actually broke the tape by watching it over and over to the point that the VHS tape actually stretched and snapped… to this day I still hold a love for the incredibly naive youngest daughter of the King of the sea who loses her heart to the land as well as a man she hardly knew, ah Disney justifying underage marriage and nonsensical romantic choices since 1937 when they gave us Snow White.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So last week when I was browsing through Facebook and happened about a post stating that they were doing a live action remake I was quite excited not overly but it’s definitely something I would like to see, I got to the point of the article where they noted the name and colour of the actress that would be playing the lead role and do you know what I did I finished up the article and went on with my day.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Shock and horror… I did not drop to the floor with upset, I wasn’t angry, I did not feel betrayed, I did not feel like my childhood dreams and ideals had been ripped from my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You want to know why!?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Because my personal opinion when it comes to remakes and real life renditions is that unless the character is verifiably culturally linked to a specific race or culture like Moana or Merida from Brave then it isn’t about the colour or culture of the person playing the role rather how well they play the role, if an exact real life replica of the original character is chosen and they are just terrible and do not do the role any justice that peeves me off but in this case the original character is a mythical creature and can be depicted as far as the imagination will take you.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Do I think Disney strategically chose a woman of colour in order to relate, incorporate and uplift a part of their audience that often doesn’t get any recognition in their films- probably, but why is this a bad thing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The actress is beautiful and as far as I have read a great singer which was one of the things that made Ariel who she was; her voice, her nativity, her innocence and looking at this actress I think that she definitely has the potential to pull off the role beautifully and uplift the hearts and dreams of young girls and woman of colour all over the world.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwnkX_TQcVA/XSiPu9gwlNI/AAAAAAAAEsA/xXVP5ZS9RIYwrE43BLwVCBEEi_SDM_5MQCLcBGAs/s1600/mer-1000_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="980" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwnkX_TQcVA/XSiPu9gwlNI/AAAAAAAAEsA/xXVP5ZS9RIYwrE43BLwVCBEEi_SDM_5MQCLcBGAs/s400/mer-1000_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I think that the people who have an issue need to catch a wake up- I get that the original character is a red head and that in itself sat apart from most of the generic Disney characters but is that all the character was? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I honestly cannot believe that this is even an issue and that it is the no 1 thing trending on most social media platforms. People argue that woman of colour would not want to see a white Tiana, hell I’m a white girl and I wouldn’t want to see a white Tiana because it wouldn’t ring true for the cultural background and appropriateness that is the character it would grate me to my core but a mermaid….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When did the world get so nonsensical and out of touch about what classifies as racist and what is a justifiable opinion.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the day are there not enough real issues in today's world that people need to quarrel over the choice of an actress for a Disney film- and in such a rude and petty manner to boot, the only issue here is the fact that there is even an issue and that people are not ashamed of themselves for throwing down some of the most hurtful and unwarranted racist opinions and comments, I for one am looking forward to it and I encourage everyone with a child (whether a girl or buy) to ask them if they care because I can guarantee that they don't and take them to see the film once it hits the cinemas or for those of us who are too broke the home screen =).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-75221440945939003842019-07-10T02:44:00.001-07:002019-07-10T02:54:25.729-07:00Autoimmune Disease- Personal Updates<br /><ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">fatigue<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">bone or joint pain<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">depression or anxiety<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">migraines<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">recurrent miscarriage<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin rash)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">abdominal bloating and pain<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">chronic diarrhea&nbsp;or constipation<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">irritability <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">brittle nails and hair loss<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;">The above are some of the many symptoms I have experienced for the better part of half of my life… sounds ridiculous right!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I thought so too until I started on a gluten free diet (as much as I can because gluten is sneaky devil that hides in things you would never think to look for it) and the majority of my pain and symptoms subsided.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">I still have days where I experience a flare up, most of those days I cannot even be sure of what I ate that has caused the flare up (gluten you sneaky thing) but it has been incredibly eye opening to realize&nbsp;that your body can indeed attack itself in an attempt to fight something that it feels doesn’t feel belongs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;">So when I ingest gluten it triggers an immune response within my body which causes inflammation and damage to my small intestine ie this is an auto immune disorder and something I will live with for the rest of my life… which is scary this is more than just a diet change or something I can just push off when I feel like a slice of cake (er my gosh I miss cake), it was a huge emotional and mental blow to work through after having an issue with food almost my whole life to make this about my health and not go onto the track of an eating disorder again because as I explained in my previous post it is incredibly easy to use a dietary change as an excuse or to cover up disordered eating.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">In basic terms my body has a severe allergic type reaction to gluten, I also have a dairy intolerance which is a whole different ball game; I can and do eat dairy made products- few and far between but it does happen and when I do this I am left gassy, uncomfortable bloated and uncomfortable to say pain would be pushing it but the symptoms usually subside within a 12 hour period and are manageable whereas my symptoms to gluten consumption can vary in the degree of pain but it can get to an excruciating point and the symptoms can last for days and affect so many processes within my body it is honestly not something I would wish on my worst enemy and I have known people have been hospitalized&nbsp;because of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;">When I was at my lowest point last year literally in pain 24/7 I just didn’t know what to do anymore I was absolutely miserable and after several doctors’ visits and a diagnosis of IBS, Dairy intolerance and an ulcer- nothing was helping and I knew that there had to be something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I know it’s not good to google ones symptoms but when I did I found something that ticked all the boxes and the solution was a gluten free diet, I literally had nothing else to lose so I gave it a go, it took a while but I got to the point where I felt so much better mentally, physically and emotionally, when I look at the symptoms listed above it actually was a huge shock for me to see things such as recurrent miscarriage, loss of feeling and tingles in the feet and hands, the iron deficiency and the dermatitis I just couldn’t believe that those were or could be linked to something like gluten it just seemed outrageous to me and yet here I stand feeling like a completely new person actually living my life instead of just pushing through it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">For a while I was incredibly angry that none of the doctors picked up or suggested this diagnosis but I realize&nbsp;that often when I went to the doctor I would not mention all of the symptoms as I did not feel they related to one another I also didn’t want the doctors to think I was just a hypochondriac and wasting their time because to have all of these symptoms all at once just seems a bit extreme so in essence it was as much my own fault, it is actually estimated that 83% of people with Celiacs Disease go un-diagnosed or misdiagnosed for on average up to 10 years after symptoms are first medically reported.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;">The disease can affect both woman and men of all ages and races and the only known curative measure is a strict gluten free diet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">Celiac disease can lead to a number of other disorders including infertility, reduced bone density, neurological disorders, some cancers, and other autoimmune diseases.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;">5-22% of people with celiac disease have an immediate family member (first degree relative) who also has celiac disease.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;">A diagnosis can be made with a blood test however you will be required to eat gluten products before this test is done, it is also not the cheapest test so if you suspect that you may have celiacs I would suggest not only doing further research but also try cutting gluten and see if it makes a difference it may not make an immediate difference as the intestinal tract is damaged but with time if it is what you have you will be able to feel a difference and could then justify taking it further if you were unsure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">I think if I have learned anything it is to never judge someone who says they are ill but may not show outwardly visible&nbsp;symptoms, I have also learned to trust my gut (literally and figuratively) when it comes to my body and that as silly as one may think it is rather go to a doctor or speak up than suffer in silence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">Advances in medicine are made everyday and maybe there will come a day in the future where I will not have to worry about what I am eating and where it has come from ingredients&nbsp;wise. I will say I have tried some amazing gluten free products and there are some really tasty treats available out there if you look such as Downies &amp; Brownies OMW THE best gluten free brownies you will ever taste, checkers, pick n pay and Spar also have a good selection when it comes to gluten free bread, wraps and alike you can also make your own which I have and it was yummy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">There are worse things and I am just incredibly grateful to have found a way forward, I think more awareness surrounding auto immune disorders/ diseases is something that needs to become more prevalent and available, I think it would help more people with their diagnosis and also help those around them understand what they are going through.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7BKPU_k1lE/XSWxeqpt83I/AAAAAAAAEr0/6lY5bA9sImgxJWHvzOR_9YAyn2-XpLiDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Infographic_Celiac%2BDisease%2Bat%2Ba%2BGlance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7BKPU_k1lE/XSWxeqpt83I/AAAAAAAAEr0/6lY5bA9sImgxJWHvzOR_9YAyn2-XpLiDQCLcBGAs/s400/Infographic_Celiac%2BDisease%2Bat%2Ba%2BGlance.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-41956167607699338112019-07-08T06:21:00.002-07:002019-07-08T06:21:57.100-07:00Validating all the feels <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The most difficult thing that I think we have had to deal with in respect of my two eldest sons is teaching them how to manage their emotions in a way that still validates their feelings and yet teachers them the process and act upon them in the correct manner.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is definitely something that has gotten harder as they have gotten older because those hormones oh man they are brutal and guys I was just not prepared… although to be fair I don’t think anybody ever is.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A child on the spectrum usually feels things in such an intense manner that it is very difficult to teach them how to not act on impulse and take a breather before they freak out on a nuclear level- when they are sad they are lower than low, when they are angry they can easily put a fist through a wall and when they are happy their joy seeps into every nook and cranny and touches every single person that they come into contact with.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Feelings are a good thing, we spend so much of our time telling our children not to do this or not to act in a certain manner we forget that what they’re feeling is raw and real and that it is ok, we forget to ask why and how, we forget that sometimes we as adults don’t know ourselves how to deal with our feelings and how hurtful it can be when someone doesn’t acknowledge your feelings and in turn validate them as real.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When we give birth we anticipate our baby’s first full night of uninterrupted sleep we expect it without realizing that we as adults more often than not do not sleep through, we go to the loo we get a snack or a drink of water a baby only knows that he/she needs you for comfort and food, love and support they need to learn just as we have.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When we see something as petty and unwarranted we tell our children that they are being silly, we tell them that something could not possibly hurt enough to warrant a 2 minute cry and a cuddle, we tell them that when they fail they need to try harder next time we do all of these things without thinking of how they feel or how it felt for us at their age. Telling them something is silly may warp their entire outlook on something, they may choose not to explore, question or attempt something again because we are their caregiver deem it to be sill or nonsense, you do not need to coddle your child by any means but to acknowledge their pain, their discomfort… their feelings is something that heavily influences how they deal with their emotions into the future.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Is this easy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Hell No?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Am I just as guilty as the next person? Of course!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When you are tired, frustrated or irritated the last thing you often want to do to wait out a tantrum in order to have a discussion with your child, sometimes it literally does feel like they are making a mountain out of a mole hill when they cry for a solid 5 minutes over a minuscule scratch that hardly scratched the service… but it doesn’t change how they feel and that they feel.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Take a moment to think about the last time you felt your feelings were ignore or invalidated, or about the last adult meltdown or tantrum you had… yes we have them! Think about how your feelings and emotions were approached whilst you were growing up and how that has affected your ability to process your feelings and emotions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I spent the better part of an hour arguing with my two sons yesterday whilst visiting my mom because one could not or would not understand how the other was feeling, my eldest was angry because he was told by a family member to call my hubby something he is not used to calling him as well as his step mother, and I completely support his feelings it is something that I have always told them as has my hubby you call them what you are comfortable with whether its mom, uncle or their name it doesn’t matter it doesn’t mean you do not respect or love that person but in Loghan’s case he has known nothing different other than what he calls my hubby since he was 2 so my hubby and I share the sentiment that if that is what he is comfortable with then that is just fine. The title used by a child can mean so much to them and I feel very strongly about introducing someone into their life and then saying well you must call them this or that because we are married or because I feel that they should, it’s not about me- that is not respect and love. My middle son feels different and if I told him to call my hubby dad which I won’t he would do it, he is wired to please, it doesn’t make it right and it is something that grates me to my core but all I can do is reiterate that it is their personal choice and that they have every right to feel the way that they do whatever way that may be.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Anyhoo I know this post is a little all over but this has continued to play on my mind and I just had to get the feelings.<o:p></o:p></div><br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-85332884438817250562019-07-02T02:56:00.004-07:002019-07-02T03:45:06.424-07:00Please stop- disordered eating and the contribution of social media<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ok so I kinda wish that this was a post I could do via vlog instead of blog, it’s actually a lot harder for me to discuss this topic openly and although I have I feel like I just haven’t really opened up about it, I don’t know it’s a heavy topic maybe not for everyone but considering it’s something that I and so many people struggle with on a daily basis it really is something that needs to be discussed and that leads me here today.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Of late I have seen an abundance of YouTube videos encompassing and detailing the daily eating habits of many vloggers, some of which who have actually made it their job to detail this concept as well as to inform and educate people about the best way the eat, sounds harmless right I mean what’s the big deal….<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The problem comes along when you start promoting lifestyle and eating habits that are just not safe for those who are following them or that through their restrictions open a pathway and door to so many possible eating disorders and body image disorders… its actually mind boggling to me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The restrictions that these people knowingly place on their own bodies are bad enough but when you go out onto social media or out into the world and promote these ways of eating without the science and proper nutritional know how to know what you are getting yourself into I have a huge problem with that- people who only eat fruit, people who only eat raw (meat or otherwise… yes I said MEAT), people who only liquefy their foods or only eat green foods whatever it is that floats their boat and from what I have seen further down the line of many YouTuber’s who have followed these restrictive diets for a pro longed period many eventually come out and say that they no longer do because it made them feel great in the beginning but then made them sick etc the problem is that by the time they get to that point they have invested a good amount of time into convincing others that it is the absolute best thing ever because they are doing so well.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czjeT6EPXZs/XRsofNJxnMI/AAAAAAAAErI/ek8aMAd8unEOA-or8U33Cm0o5R50O7UTwCLcBGAs/s1600/body-image-stats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1033" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czjeT6EPXZs/XRsofNJxnMI/AAAAAAAAErI/ek8aMAd8unEOA-or8U33Cm0o5R50O7UTwCLcBGAs/s640/body-image-stats.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now before people jump on me I am in no way saying veganism or vegetarianism is bad for you- eating a plant based diet when done correctly factoring in the correct balance of what your body needs to function at its best is perfectly healthy and wonderful, I myself was a vegetarian for many years but here is where I can weigh in on how and whether restrictive diets are lending themselves to and/or promoting dysfunctional eating and eating disorders.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I stopped eating meat it wasn’t because I was launching an animal rights campaign or because I felt eating meat was wrong I did it because it created a reason for me to cut out a food group and restrict my diet in a manner that would go somewhat unnoticed by those around me, when people asked why I wasn’t eating and the meal was meat based I could use the excuse of vegetarianism without anyone batting an eyelid and it was great, for me at least.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Of course it didn’t stop there and here is where I veer off from the vegetarian factor although it does play a continuous role in my ED and BID journey. So I cut of meat… and then I cut out dairy… then I cut out carbs and then I cut out sugar, I cut out anything with certain percentage of fat, I cut out anything that wasn’t in my mind a good food, slowly but surely my diet became more and more restrictive until eventually my good food list consisted of:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Deboned chicken breast or tuna (I added these in when some people started asking questions)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Salad or veg no dressings or cheese just leaves, tomatoes, carrots- the bare basics<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Apples (a bag of them a day) or grapes- I would consume kg of fruit deeming it the healthier option<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ryvitta Crisp Bread<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Fat Free Cottage cheese<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Baked beans<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That’s it…. And I felt great I was losing weight for the first time in my life and at a rapid pace, I was receiving praise and attention from family members and friends, but they didn’t see the ugly side of it all the times that I had to eat something I felt uncomfortable with I would either chew it and spit it out into a napkin or I would hide it if possible and if it wasn’t I would be overwhelmed with guilt and shame and would add onto my fitness/exercise regime in order to compensate gyming for hours a day, weighing myself morning, noon and night - on and on it went for month's a vicious cycle and without so much as a word from anyone around me, people would whisper or comment sure but it was always half hearted and jokingly, when I look at my matric ball photos I was literal skin and bone and yet I was told by those I cared most for that I had never looked more beautiful.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XT-sdc8KZJg/XRso9wurNnI/AAAAAAAAErY/dv8BWG3nnSs9eoZ1ibX4s76A_ue-5VKyQCLcBGAs/s1600/eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XT-sdc8KZJg/XRso9wurNnI/AAAAAAAAErY/dv8BWG3nnSs9eoZ1ibX4s76A_ue-5VKyQCLcBGAs/s400/eating.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyFludWhctg/XRso9i3mSaI/AAAAAAAAErU/nRH2UuVriiE72rwTsnOgxACJ1tf__aTBgCLcBGAs/s1600/eatingdisorderinfograph-744x372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="744" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyFludWhctg/XRso9i3mSaI/AAAAAAAAErU/nRH2UuVriiE72rwTsnOgxACJ1tf__aTBgCLcBGAs/s400/eatingdisorderinfograph-744x372.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7BI-JY_3PE/XRso9kRZESI/AAAAAAAAErQ/Ij6xuvW6WT4NPsfURDvdvdnJNIUXXhxUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Swanson-et-al-suicidality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="969" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7BI-JY_3PE/XRso9kRZESI/AAAAAAAAErQ/Ij6xuvW6WT4NPsfURDvdvdnJNIUXXhxUgCLcBGAs/s400/Swanson-et-al-suicidality.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Then a day came, a good friend of mine turned 18 and we planned an evening out with a surprise party the next day, I hadn’t eaten anything in 2 days and decided that drinking the night away was an awesome way to help my friend celebrate.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So I drank… and drank… and drank- Sambuca, Tequila, wine, beer, jam jars, shooters, vodka&nbsp; and Jack Daniels…. Until I ended up on the floor of the bathroom of the bar crying my eyes out and mumbling about how much I hated myself and my body, my parents came and I was taken to hospital, to this day I still cannot handle the smell of Tequila Stroh Rum or Sambuca, I woke up feeling like shit both emotionally and physically I couldn’t believe I had done that to my friend I was embarrassed and so full of shame.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We moved on of course it took some convincing to my parents that what I had said in that bathroom were all just random mumbles, we moved on and I continued eating the way I did until the day came when I peed on a stick and those 2 lines appeared.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Those two lines saved my life, for so long I found every excuse under the sun to justify my eating disorder and how I felt about myself and my body but once I saw those lines I realized that it was no longer justifiable when I had another life to take care of and nurture.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">An eating disorder is ugly… really ugly no matter what form it takes to what extent or degree it is taken- it is full of lies and self-loathing, full of pain and frustration… it has no boundaries and no logic, to this day I struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I still find ways to justify myself for many years I would not even acknowledge that I had an issue and the thing is I still do, my eating habits and patterns are still dysfunctional, I still cannot walk past a mirror or try on a piece of clothing without that voice calling out to me and I hate it I cannot tell you how much I hate it and want it to just go away but it never does, its somewhat easier at times to logically override those feelings but it never goes away completely.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That is why I get so upset and angry when I see these people on YouTube promoting these incredibly restrictive diets, promoting a lifestyle that completely fuels at the very least a form of orthorexia and I have followed many YouTuber’s online who are recovering from eating disorders many if not most of them did what I did and still use restrictive diets to cover up or fuel their disordered eating patterns.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I just feel that this is something that isn’t discussed enough and isn’t seen as enough of an issue.<o:p></o:p><br /><br />You can go online and within seconds you can find at least a dozen websites for people with eating disorders to share their thinspiration, their methods and their goals in a world where restrictive diets are encouraged to all and sundry online where you can find girls who are anorexic and openly displaying their illness online with encouragement- people need to step up and say this isn't acceptable- YouTube, Facebook social media in general needs to be aware of what their platforms encourage and allow and they need to put measures in place to ban and block instead of focusing on trivial things that get demonetized because they don't cater or pander to the advertisers preferences such as true crime channels- these channels take the time to share such incredibly heartbreaking events and often play a hug role and at times the only role in getting a story out there that otherwise goes unnoticed but no demonetize them but allow a woman who is literal skin and bone to do clothing hauls- I will not mention who this person is because they are currently in recovery and have left YouTube for the moment but as an subscriber you literally had front row seats that allowed you to witness this woman killing herself through her eating disorder she literally wasted away while twirling around in clothing that would probably fit my 5 year old but that was ok, there are channels who promote feeding your baby only fruit nothing else no protein, no supplements, not even access to health care or proper research nothing else and that's ok. ITS NOT OK!!!!!!<br /><br />I urge you if you to take in the statistical graphs and information I have included in this piece, even as someone who has lived and continues to live through this these statistics although unsurprising to me are still shocking and scary, I know my eldest has dealt with body image issues... he is 11 this is a very real issue and one that should be tackled from all fronts.</div>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-56293657555634077082019-06-26T01:27:00.001-07:002019-06-26T01:27:43.860-07:00Sam the Hedgehog<div style="text-align: justify;">This isn't going to be a long post but something was shared on my social media yesterday by a friend of mine and when I saw it I just had to share and talk about it because I think it is just about the most wonderful thing I have ever seen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sam the Hedgehog is a short film that tells the story of Sam who as you can guess is a hedgehog but Sam is different as his is being raised among sheep.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtzAmusET-w/XRMrF3kOS1I/AAAAAAAAEqs/OFH78gij_ZAGmUJEP5al29pFUYQAyBzkgCLcBGAs/s1600/k7jjsgdxgjvvas5knhod.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtzAmusET-w/XRMrF3kOS1I/AAAAAAAAEqs/OFH78gij_ZAGmUJEP5al29pFUYQAyBzkgCLcBGAs/s1600/k7jjsgdxgjvvas5knhod.webp" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div style="background-color: #f9f6ef; box-sizing: border-box; color: #503a2a; font-family: Asap, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22pt; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">Told in verse,&nbsp;<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;lodrina&quot;; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Sam’s story</span></span>&nbsp;sheds light on the experience of&nbsp;<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;lodrina&quot;; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">ASD</span>&nbsp;</span>(Autism Spectrum Disorder) children and their parents. Sam is shy, a bit&nbsp;<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;lodrina&quot;; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">prickly</span></span>&nbsp;and quite&nbsp;<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;lodrina&quot;; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">particular</span></span>&nbsp;about certain things – just like many autistic kids.</span></div><div style="background-color: #f9f6ef; box-sizing: border-box; color: #503a2a; font-family: Asap, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22pt; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">The message of his story is that autistic people want to be accepted for who they are. Although we should try and understand one another better, the point shouldn’t be to try and make people with autism&nbsp;“normal”… any more than a hedgehog should learn to become a sheep.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As an ASD parent I have spoken before about coming to terms and understanding your child and their diagnosis and that they are never going to be like everybody else and that accepting that and coming to terms with that goes a long way in terms of helping you understand your child and in helping them and your family move forward in a loving and supportive manner, yes it's hard and as a parent it can be incredibly difficult when you are first told you child has autism or any spectrum disorder, as much as you see the red flags ad as much as you know that something is different actually saying it or voicing it out into the world can be incredibly difficult and emotionally trying, I love how this series incorporates the mom who is of course a sheep and how she comes to term with the fact that her prickly and very much loved son is not a sheep and will never be, he is a hedgehog and that's ok he is different and sees the world in a different light.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We actually owned a hedgie who sadly passed away earlier this year but we often remarked on how a hedgie was so similar to many children we have met and know who fall onto the spectrum, Loghan included.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It really is an amazing initiative and I would love for you all to get involved whether you just go on over to the site for a read and a share or you donate to the cause I really do feel that initiatives such as this one are essential in breaking down the barriers of misunderstanding of ASD the spectrum and how these children are supported and treated by those around them and how they want to be treated by those around them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the many things that I have heard so many times as an ASD parent is how these children need to learn to fit into the world they need to learn to hide or mask who or what they are they need to learn to function normally so that they can and will be accepted into the world around them- this concept is changing... slowly but it is moving in the direction of understanding that no these children and then adults are who they are and they have so much to give and offer as themselves, they shouldn't need to hide or mask, yes there are certain standards within a workplace and such that require certain behaviors and procedures of behavior but there are so many options and avenues that can and should allow for people with ASD to thrive and to live their life with equal opportunities afforded to them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you would like to learn more or to watch a trailer of the short film you can hope on over with the following <a href="http://samthehedgehog.com/#whoissam">link</a>&nbsp;and show the great people behind the lines of this initiative some love and support.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Together we can move forward in the direction of understanding and support!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_CAGECBPCo/XRMsXr8fkYI/AAAAAAAAEq4/r0IKnUuJVxgm5Ofxx3801nTs1ijtysv8gCLcBGAs/s1600/Sam_website-dev_01_small1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="990" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_CAGECBPCo/XRMsXr8fkYI/AAAAAAAAEq4/r0IKnUuJVxgm5Ofxx3801nTs1ijtysv8gCLcBGAs/s320/Sam_website-dev_01_small1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0